Believe Quote by Charles Darwin
“...I believe there exists, & I feel within me, an instinct for the truth, or knowledge or discovery, of something of the same nature as the instinct of virtue, & that our having such an instinct is reason enough for scientific researches without any practical results ever ensuing from them.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Correspondence with Alfred Russel Wallace, 1860
An innate instinct for truth drives scientific inquiry, even without practical outcomes, suggesting curiosity itself justifies research.
In simple terms: Curiosity fuels science beyond utility.
Key Takeaway
Pursue knowledge for its own sake.
Themes
science
curiosity
philosophy
Mood
inquisitive
thoughtful
Type
scientific
philosophical
When to use this quote
- research
- education
- philosophical inquiry
Key Concepts
instinct
knowledge
discovery
Questions to Reflect On
- What discoveries have emerged from pure curiosity?
- Is utility essential for scientific value?
A Different Perspective
Practical benefits may be delayed or absent.
![“I am quite conscious that my speculations run beyond the bounds of true science…It is a mere rag of an hypothesis with as many flaw[s] & holes as sound parts.” quote by Charles Darwin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/958/charles-darwin-507_bounds_i-am-quite-conscious-that-my-speculation_35382.jpg)
