A wise man in China asked his gardener to plant a shrub…
![“A wise man in China asked his gardener to plant a shrub. The gardener objected that it only flowered once in a hundred years. "In that case," said the wise man, "plant it immediately." [On the importance of fundamental research.]” quote by John Charles Polanyi](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/c93/john-charles-polanyi-14475_cases_a-wise-man-in-china-asked-his-gardener-t_1049324.jpg)
“A wise man in China asked his gardener to plant a shrub. The gardener objected that it only flowered once in a hundred years. "In that case," said the wise man, "plant it immediately." [On the importance of fundamental research.]”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The wise man values fundamental research despite slow visible results.
In simple terms: Invest in basic research now.
Key Takeaway
Support long-term scientific inquiry.
Themes
science
patience
innovation
research
future
Mood
inspirational
analytical
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- grant proposals
- academic planning
- policy making
Key Concepts
fundamental research
risk tolerance
Questions to Reflect On
- Why is patience essential in research?
- How can we balance short-term needs with long-term discovery?
A Different Perspective
Funding may be scarce and results delayed.