A wise man in China asked his gardener to plant a shrub. The gardener objected that it only flowered once in a hundred years. "In that case," said the wise man, "plant it immediately." [On the importance of fundamental research.] — John Charles Polanyi Copy Share Image
It is folly to use as one's guide in the selection of fundamental science the criterion of utility. Not because (scientists)... despise utility. But because. .. useful outcomes are best identified after the making of discoveries, rather than before. — John Charles Polanyi Copy Share Image
The respect for human rights, essential if we are to use technology wisely, is not something alien that must be grafted onto science. On… — John Charles Polanyi Copy Share Image
In the late 1950s a major topic under discussion was whether Canada should acquire nuclear weapons. — John Charles Polanyi Copy Share Image
Though neglectful of their responsibility to protect science, scientists are increasingly aware of their responsibility to society. — John Charles Polanyi Copy Share Image
Some dreamers demand that scientists only discover things that can be used for good. — John Charles Polanyi Copy Share Image
[Intellectual courage is] the quality that allows one to believe in one's judgement in the face of disappointment and widespread skepticism. Intellectual courage is… — John Charles Polanyi Copy Share Image
It takes a trained and discerning researcher to keep the goal in sight, and to detect evidence of the creeping progress toward it. — John Charles Polanyi Copy Share Image
Individual scientists like myself - and many more conspicuous - pointed to the dangers of radioactive fallout over Canada if we were to launch… — John Charles Polanyi Copy Share Image
At the heart of science lies discovery which involves a change in worldview. Discovery in science is possible only in societies which accord their… — John Charles Polanyi Copy Share Image
Science exists, moreover, only as a journey toward troth. Stifle dissent and you end that journey. — John Charles Polanyi Copy Share Image
Science never gives up searching for truth, since it never claims to have achieved it. — John Charles Polanyi Copy Share Image
The applause is a celebration not only of the actors but also of the audience. It constitutes a shared moment of delight. — John Charles Polanyi Copy Share Image
![“A wise man in China asked his gardener to plant a shrub. The gardener objected that it only flowered once in a hundred years. "In that case," said the wise man, "plant it immediately." [On the importance of fundamental research.]” quote by John Charles Polanyi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c93/john-charles-polanyi-14475_cases_a-wise-man-in-china-asked-his-gardener-t_1049324.jpg)
![“[Intellectual courage is] the quality that allows one to believe in one's judgement in the face of disappointment and widespread skepticism. Intellectual courage is even rarer than physical courage.” quote by John Charles Polanyi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/969/john-charles-polanyi-14475_believe_intellectual-courage-is-the-quality-that_291394.jpg)
