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Science condemns itself to failure when, yielding to the…

“Science condemns itself to failure when, yielding to the infatuation of the serious, it aspires to attain being, to contain it, and to possess it; but it finds its truth if it considers itself as a free engagement of thought in the given, aiming, at each discovery, not at fusion with the thing…” quote by Simone de Beauvoir
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“Science condemns itself to failure when, yielding to the infatuation of the serious, it aspires to attain being, to contain it, and to possess it; but it finds its truth if it considers itself as a free engagement of thought in the given, aiming, at each discovery, not at fusion with the thing, but at the possibility of new discoveries; what the mind then projects is the concrete accomplishment of its freedom.”

Simone de Beauvoir

About This Quote

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

Science should avoid rigid, possessive aims and instead stay open, treating inquiry as a free, exploratory engagement that fosters continual discovery.

In simple terms: Science thrives when it stays open and exploratory.

Key Takeaway

Keep scientific inquiry free and exploratory.

Themes

science philosophy freedom discovery methodology

Mood

curious thoughtful

Type

analytical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • research design
  • academic discourse
  • innovation workshops
  • interdisciplinary projects
  • philosophical debate

Key Concepts

epistemology critical thinking creativity open‑ended inquiry

Questions to Reflect On

  • What practices keep scientific inquiry open?
  • How can we balance structure with freedom?
A Different Perspective

Rigid goals can stifle curiosity and limit breakthroughs.

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