As soon as I suspect a fine effect is being achieved by…
“As soon as I suspect a fine effect is being achieved by accident I lose interest. I am not interested...in unskilled labor. ...The scientific actor is an even worker. Any one may achieve on some rare occasion an outburst of genuine feeling, a gesture of imperishable beauty, a ringing accent of truth; but your scientific actor knows how he did it. He can repeat it again and again and again. He can be depended on.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The author argues that genuine scientific insight must be deliberate, repeatable, and not accidental; true skill lies in controlled, reproducible work.
In simple terms: Real science requires intentional, repeatable effort.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate disciplined, reproducible practice.
Themes
science
discipline
creativity
reproducibility
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- laboratory research
- artistic creation
- teaching
- engineering
- software development
Key Concepts
methodology
authenticity
skill
repetition
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance structured rigor with openness to chance?
- What practices ensure both reliability and innovation?
A Different Perspective
The emphasis on repeatability may undervalue serendipitous breakthroughs.