--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The progress of science is strewn, like…" description: "\"The progress of science is strewn, like an ancient desert trail, with the bleached skeleton of discarded theories which once seemed to possess eternal ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/522/arthur-koestler-1903_ancient_the-progress-of-science-is-strewn-like-a_2819894.jpg" --- # The progress of science is strewn, like an ancient desert… ![“The progress of science is strewn, like an ancient desert trail, with the bleached skeleton of discarded theories which once seemed to possess eternal life.” quote by Arthur Koestler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/522/arthur-koestler-1903_ancient_the-progress-of-science-is-strewn-like-a_2819894.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/522/arthur-koestler-1903_ancient_the-progress-of-science-is-strewn-like-a_2819894.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/522/arthur-koestler-1903_ancient_the-progress-of-science-is-strewn-like-a_2819894.jpg) > “The progress of science is strewn, like an ancient desert trail, with the bleached skeleton of discarded theories which once seemed to possess eternal life.” [Arthur Koestler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arthur-koestler/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Science advances by discarding outdated theories, leaving behind their remnants. **In simple terms:** Science progresses by abandoning old ideas. Key Takeaway Embrace change and discard obsolete concepts. Themes science progress theory evolution knowledge Mood analytical critical Type philosophical observational When to use this quote - research - education - policy making Key Concepts paradigm shift critical thinking historical analysis innovation Questions to Reflect On - What outdated beliefs limit your field? - How can you foster a culture of intellectual renewal? A Different Perspective Holding onto old theories can hinder progress. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Ancient](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ancient/) [Desert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/desert/) [Eternal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/eternal/) [Eternal life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/eternal-life/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Progress](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/progress/) [Science](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/science/) ## Related quotes > [The progress of science, like an ancient desert trail, is strewn with the bleached skeletons of discarded theories, doctrines, and axioms which seemed to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arthur-koestler/the-progress-of-science-like-an-ancient-desert-trail-is-strewn-with/) [Arthur Koestler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arthur-koestler/) > [“The way of science is paved with discarded theories which were once declared self-evident;”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karl-r-popper/the-way-of-science-is-paved-with-discarded-theories-which-were-once/) [Karl R. 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