Such pretensions to nicety in experiments of this nature…
“Such pretensions to nicety in experiments of this nature, are truly laughable! They will be telling us some day of the WEIGHT of the MOON, even to drams, scruples and grains-nay, to the very fraction of a grain!-I wish there were infallible experiments to ascertain the quantum of brains each man possesses, and every man's integrity and candour:-This is a desideratum in science which is most of all wanted.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Critiques the absurdity of trying to quantify intangible aspects of humanity, urging realistic scientific humility.
In simple terms: Science can't measure everything about people.
Key Takeaway
Accept limits of measurement.
Themes
science
measurement
humility
intellect
integrity
Mood
critical
skeptical
philosophical
Type
Brain:1
Candour:1
Every man:1
Experiments:1
Fractions:1
Grain:1
Infallible:1
Integrity:1
Laughable:1
Measurement:1
Men:1
Moon:1
Nature:1
Niceties:1
Pretension:1
Quantum:1
Science:1
Scruples:1
Wanted:1
Weight:1
Wish:1
Science Wanted:0
Infallible Experiments:0
Nicety Experiments:0
Experiments Nature:0
Experiments Ascertain:0
When to use this quote
- research design
- ethical review
- public discourse
Key Concepts
philosophy of science
epistemology
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- What can we learn without precise numbers?
- How do we balance rigor and humility?
A Different Perspective
Overlooks value of qualitative insight.