[T]he 47th proposition in Euclid might now be voted down…
![“[T]he 47th proposition in Euclid might now be voted down with as much ease as any proposition in politics; and therefore if Lord Hawkesbury hates the abstract truths of science as much as he hates concrete truth in human affairs, now is his time for getting rid of the multiplication table, and…” quote by Sydney Smith](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/709/sydney-smith-6523_abstract_t-he-47th-proposition-in-euclid-might-no_463551.png)
“[T]he 47th proposition in Euclid might now be voted down with as much ease as any proposition in politics; and therefore if Lord Hawkesbury hates the abstract truths of science as much as he hates concrete truth in human affairs, now is his time for getting rid of the multiplication table, and passing a vote of censure upon the pretensions of the hypotenuse.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Scientific truths may be dismissed politically, but they remain essential for rational progress.
In simple terms: Science is vital despite politics.
Key Takeaway
Defend scientific integrity.
Themes
science
politics
truth
education
rationalism
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
analytical
educational
When to use this quote
- school curricula
- legislative debates
- media reporting
Key Concepts
epistemology
public policy
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- Should scientific facts be protected from political bias?
- How can public trust in science be maintained?
A Different Perspective
Political pressure can suppress scientific facts.