Criticism Quote by Carl Sagan
““Why do we put up with it? Do we like to be criticized? No, no scientist enjoys it. Every scientist feels a proprietary affection for his or her ideas and findings. Even so, you don’t reply to critics, Wait a minute; this is a really good idea; I’m very fond of it; it’s done you no harm; please leave it alone. Instead, the hard but just rule is that if the ideas don’t work, you must throw them away.””
About This Quote
Scientists are naturally attached to their ideas, but should discard them if they fail to work, despite emotional bias.
In simple terms: Scientists love their ideas but must let go when they fail.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize evidence over ego.
Themes
science
ego
criticism
methodology
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- research
- peer review
- idea development
- innovation
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
scientific integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can scientists guard against bias?
- When should an idea be abandoned?
A Different Perspective
Emotional attachment can hinder objective assessment.
![“[N]o scientist likes to be criticized. ... But you don't reply to critics: "Wait a minute, wait a minute; this is a really good idea. I'm very fond of it. It's done you no harm. Please don't attack it." That's not the way it goes. The hard but just rule is that if the ideas don't work, you must…” quote by Carl Sagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bbf/carl-sagan-160_criticism_n-o-scientist-likes-to-be-criticized-but_877385.jpg)
![“[ 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)
