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What I am thinking of is the man of imagination and…

“What I am thinking of is the man of imagination and science, whose courage is infinite because his curiosity surpasses his courage. Nothing will keep him back...Any true scientist (not, of course,the fraudulent mediocrity, whose only treasure is the ignorance he hides like a bone) should be…” quote by Vladimir Nabokov
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““What I am thinking of is the man of imagination and science, whose courage is infinite because his curiosity surpasses his courage. Nothing will keep him back...Any true scientist (not, of course,the fraudulent mediocrity, whose only treasure is the ignorance he hides like a bone) should be capable of experiencing that sensuous pleasure of direct and divine knowledge. He may be twenty and he may be eighty-five but without that tingle there is no science.””

Vladimir Nabokov

About This Quote

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

True scientists are driven by boundless curiosity that outweighs fear, seeking the joy of direct knowledge regardless of age.

In simple terms: Curiosity drives science more than courage.

Key Takeaway

Embrace curiosity over fear.

Themes

imagination science curiosity courage knowledge

Mood

inspired reflective

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • research labs
  • academic study
  • personal experimentation
  • learning new fields

Key Concepts

philosophy epistemology creativity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you nurture curiosity when faced with risk?
  • What fears limit your pursuit of knowledge?
A Different Perspective

Curiosity can be hindered by institutional pressures and funding constraints.

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