Advancement of science Quote by Carl Sagan
“In science it often happens that scientists say, "You know that's a really good argument; my position is mistaken..."”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Demon‑Haunted World, 1995
Scientists should admit when evidence disproves their view, valuing truth over ego.
In simple terms: Science values truth over ego.
Key Takeaway
Embrace humility in debate.
Themes
science
humility
critical thinking
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
educational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- research reviews
- academic conferences
- public policy debates
- education
Key Concepts
philosophy of science
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you changed your mind based on evidence?
- How can we foster humility in scientific culture?
A Different Perspective
Ego can hinder acceptance of new data.
![“[ When a religious couple wrote to Sagan about fulfilled prophecies, he wrote back in May 1996 :] If ‘fulfilled prophecy’ is your criterion, why do you not believe in materialistic science, which has an unparalleled record of fulfilled prophecy? Consider, for example, eclipses.” quote by Carl Sagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/875/carl-sagan-160_belief_when-a-religious-couple-wrote-to-sagan-a_25095.jpg)
![“[Young] was afterwards accustomed to say, that at no period of his life was he particularly fond of repeating experiments, or even of very frequently attempting to originate new ones; considering that, however necessary to the advancement of science, they demanded a great sacrifice of time, and…” quote by Hudson Gurney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/97a/hudson-gurney-161754_accustomed_young-was-afterwards-accustomed-to-say-t_257396.jpg)
