Nonsense Quote by Ben Goldacre
““More than that, these adverts sell a dubious world view. They sell the idea that science is not about the delicate relationship between evidence and theory. They suggest, instead, with all the might of their international advertising budgets, their Microcellular Complexes, their Neutrillium XY, their Tenseur Peptidique Végétal and the rest, that science is about impenetrable nonsense involving equations, molecules, sciencey diagrams, sweeping didactic statements from authority figures in white coats, and that this sciencey-sounding stuff might just as well be made up, concocted, confabulated out of thin air, in order to make money. They sell the idea that science is incomprehensible, with all their might, and they sell this idea mainly to attractive young women, who are disappointingly under-represented in the sciences.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Bad Science by Ben Goldacre, 2008
The passage criticizes advertising that portrays science as incomprehensible jargon, especially targeting young women, thereby discouraging scientific engagement.
In simple terms: Ads make science seem inaccessible.
Key Takeaway
Promote clear, honest communication of science.
Themes
science communication
gender bias
marketing
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
analytical
advocacy
When to use this quote
- education
- media literacy
Key Concepts
misinformation
public perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How can science be made appealing without oversimplifying?
- What role does gender play in science perception?
A Different Perspective
It may not account for all effective science outreach strategies.
![“And if, by the end [of this book], you reckon you might still disagree with me, then I offer you this: you'll still be wrong, but you'll be wrong with a lot more panache and flair than you could possibly manage right now.” quote by Ben Goldacre](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8a6/ben-goldacre-9578_book_and-if-by-the-end-of-this-book-you-recko_125048.jpg)
![“It's [Los Angeles] mostly full of nonsense and delusion and egomania. They think they'll be young and beautiful forever, even though most of them aren't even young and beautiful now.” quote by Christopher Hitchens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a86/christopher-hitchens-117_beautiful_it-s-los-angeles-mostly-full-of-nonsense_10462.jpg)
