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It would seem to me... an offense against nature, for us…

“It would seem to me... an offense against nature, for us to come on the same scene endowed as we are with the curiosity, filled to overbrimming as we are with questions, and naturally talented as we are for the asking of clear questions, and then for us to do nothing about, or worse, to try to…” quote by Lewis Thomas
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“It would seem to me... an offense against nature, for us to come on the same scene endowed as we are with the curiosity, filled to overbrimming as we are with questions, and naturally talented as we are for the asking of clear questions, and then for us to do nothing about, or worse, to try to suppress the questions...”

Lewis Thomas

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Human curiosity is a natural gift; ignoring or suppressing it is a moral failing against nature.

In simple terms: Curiosity is natural; suppressing it is wrong.

Key Takeaway

Nurture inquisitiveness.

Themes

curiosity ethics science

Mood

passionate critical

Type

philosophical advocacy

When to use this quote

  • research funding decisions
  • educational curricula
  • public policy debates

Key Concepts

intellectual freedom responsibility

Practical Applications

  • Encourage open inquiry in institutions
  • Protect academic freedom from censorship

Questions to Reflect On

  • When should curiosity be restrained?
  • How does society balance inquiry with safety?
A Different Perspective

Unchecked curiosity can lead to harmful pursuits; ethical limits are sometimes necessary.

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