Abstract Quote by Alfred North Whitehead
“It is natural to think that an abstract science cannot be of much importance in affairs of human life, because it has omitted from its consideration everything of real interest.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Process and Reality, 1929
Abstract sciences may seem irrelevant to human affairs because they ignore concrete interests, yet they can still hold significance.
In simple terms: Abstract science seems irrelevant to human life.
Key Takeaway
Recognize value of abstract ideas.
Themes
science
philosophy
humanism
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
academic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- education
- policy making
- research
- public discourse
Key Concepts
abstraction
relevance
interdisciplinary
Questions to Reflect On
- How can abstract science inform daily life?
- What concrete problems benefit from abstract theory?
A Different Perspective
Abstract work can be too detached from reality.
![“The Analytical Engine] might act upon other things besides number, were objects found whose mutual fundamental relations could be expressed by those of the abstract science of operations, and which should be also susceptible of adaptations to the action of the operating notation and mechanism of…” quote by Ada Lovelace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/91c/ada-lovelace-10853_abstract_the-analytical-engine-might-act-upon-oth_728873.jpg)
