But you can’t be a scientist if you’re uncomfortable with…
““But you can’t be a scientist if you’re uncomfortable with ignorance, because scientists live at the boundary between what is known and unknown in the cosmos. This is very different from the way journalists portray us. So many articles begin, “Scientists now have to go back to the drawing board.” It’s as though we’re sitting in our offices, feet up on our desks—masters of the universe—and suddenly say, “Oops, somebody discovered something!” No. We’re always at the drawing board. If you’re not at the drawing board, you’re not making discoveries. You’re not a scientist; you’re something else. The public, on the other hand, seems to demand conclusive explanations as they leap without hesitation from statements of abject ignorance to statements of absolute certainty.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Scientists must constantly operate at the edge of unknown, embracing uncertainty rather than presenting false certainty.
In simple terms: Science thrives on uncertainty.
Key Takeaway
Embrace the unknown.
Themes
science
uncertainty
communication
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
educational
inspirational
When to use this quote
- research
- public talks
- science writing
Key Concepts
philosophy of science
epistemology
media perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How can scientists better convey uncertainty?
- What role should media play in accurate science reporting?
A Different Perspective
Public demand for certainty can pressure scientists toward oversimplification.