Consequence Quote by Anonymous
“It surely can be no offence to state, that the progress of science has led to new views, and that the consequences that can be deduced from the knowledge of a hundred facts may be very different from those deducible from five. It is also possible that the facts first known may be the exceptions to a rule and not the rule itself, and generalisations from these first-known facts, though useful at the time, may be highly mischievous, and impede the progress of the science if retained when it has made some advance.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Unknown scientific essay, 19th century
Early scientific observations can mislead if taken as universal truths; broader data may overturn initial conclusions.
In simple terms: Early data can be misleading.
Key Takeaway
Seek broader evidence before forming conclusions.
Themes
science
knowledge
misinterpretation
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- research
- policy making
- education
- public health
Key Concepts
induction
generalization
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- How many facts are needed for a reliable rule?
- What safeguards prevent premature conclusions?
A Different Perspective
Limited data may cause false confidence.
