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Accounts Quote by Alfred North Whitehead

“The progress of Science consists in observing interconnections and in showing with a patient ingenuity that the events of this ever-shifting world are but examples of a few general relations, called laws. To see what is general in what is particular, and what is permanent in what is transitory, is…” quote by Alfred North Whitehead
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“The progress of Science consists in observing interconnections and in showing with a patient ingenuity that the events of this ever-shifting world are but examples of a few general relations, called laws. To see what is general in what is particular, and what is permanent in what is transitory, is the aim of scientific thought.”

Alfred North Whitehead

About This Quote

Source Book: Process and Reality, Alfred North Whitehead, 1929

Science seeks patterns behind changing events, revealing universal laws that explain the temporary and the permanent.

In simple terms: Science finds universal patterns in changing events.

Key Takeaway

Look for underlying laws in everyday phenomena.

Themes

science philosophy analysis patterns universals

Mood

curious analytical inquisitive

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • research
  • education
  • policy making
  • technology development
  • problem solving

Key Concepts

laws generalization epistemology methodology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What hidden patterns can you identify in your work?
  • How do you distinguish temporary trends from lasting principles?
A Different Perspective

Complex systems may resist simple laws, requiring nuanced models.

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