Irredeemably Irrelevant Quotes by John Charles Polanyi

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

In the late 1950s a major topic under discussion was whether Canada should acquire nuclear weapons.

— John Charles Polanyi

Though neglectful of their responsibility to protect science, scientists are increasingly aware of their responsibility to society.

— John Charles Polanyi

Some dreamers demand that scientists only discover things that can be used for good.

— John Charles Polanyi

[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

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

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

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

Science exists, moreover, only as a journey toward troth. Stifle dissent and you end that journey.

— John Charles Polanyi

Science never gives up searching for truth, since it never claims to have achieved it.

— John Charles Polanyi

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

Nothing is more irredeemably irrelevant than bad science.

— John Charles Polanyi