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Accounts Quote by Arthur Eddington

“We have found that where science has progressed the farthest, the mind has but regained from nature that which the mind has put into nature. We have found a strange foot-print on the shores of the unknown. We have devised profound theories, one after another, to account for its origin. At last, we…” quote by Arthur Eddington
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“We have found that where science has progressed the farthest, the mind has but regained from nature that which the mind has put into nature. We have found a strange foot-print on the shores of the unknown. We have devised profound theories, one after another, to account for its origin. At last, we have succeeded in reconstructing the creature that made the foot-print. And Lo! it is our own.”

Arthur Eddington

About This Quote

Source Speech: 1933 Royal Society Address, Arthur Eddington

Human progress often mirrors our own nature; we discover and recreate what we have projected onto the world.

In simple terms: We discover what we put into nature.

Key Takeaway

Recognize our biases in scientific inquiry.

Themes

science selfreflection human nature

Mood

contemplative inquisitive

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • research design
  • environmental studies
  • philosophical inquiry

Key Concepts

projection feedback loop anthropocentrism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do our expectations shape scientific theories?
  • Can we separate observer from observed?
A Different Perspective

Our assumptions may limit objectivity.

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