Skip to content

We need very much a name to describe a cultivator of…

“We need very much a name to describe a cultivator of science in general. I should incline to call him a scientist. [The first use of the word.]” quote by William Whewell
Download Open image
“We need very much a name to describe a cultivator of science in general. I should incline to call him a scientist. [The first use of the word.]”

William Whewell

About This Quote

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

Coined “scientist” to label those who cultivate knowledge broadly.

In simple terms: Introduced term scientist.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and value scientific inquiry.

Themes

science language history of ideas

Mood

academic reflective

Type

historical educational

When to use this quote

  • education
  • science communication
  • academic discourse

Key Concepts

terminology intellectual development

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does naming affect perception of scientific work?
  • What other fields need dedicated terminology?
A Different Perspective

May not reflect modern interdisciplinary nuances.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by William Whewell

Explore all 36 William Whewell quotes

More Firsts quotes

Browse all 32,432 Firsts quotes