Accounts Quote by Arthur Balfour
“Though the parallel is not complete, it is safe to say that science will never touch them unaided by its practical applications. Its wonders may be catalogued for purposes of education, they may be illustrated by arresting experiments, by numbers and magnitudes which startle or fatigue the imagination but they will form no familiar portion of the intellectual furniture of ordinary men unless they be connected, however remotely, with the conduct of ordinary life.”
About This Quote
Science must be linked to everyday life to be meaningful; abstract knowledge alone isn’t useful for most people
In simple terms: Science needs practical relevance to matter to everyday life
Connect theory to real‑world applications
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- teaching
- policy making
- media communication
- public outreach
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can educators make abstract concepts relatable?
- What examples best illustrate scientific relevance?
Pure theory may alienate non‑experts