Agree Quote by Claude Bernard
“It has often been said that, to make discoveries, one must be ignorant. This opinion, mistaken in itself, nevertheless conceals a truth. It means that it is better to know nothing than to keep in mind fixed ideas based on theories whose confirmation we constantly seek, neglecting meanwhile everything that fails to agree with them.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Introduction to Experimental Medicine, 1865
It argues that true discovery requires setting aside preconceived theories, allowing the mind to be open to unexpected evidence.
In simple terms: Open mind leads to discovery.
Key Takeaway
Question your assumptions.
Themes
science
open‑mindedness
discovery
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- research
- innovation
- problem solving
- policy making
Key Concepts
epistemology
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- What beliefs might you be clinging to?
- How can you balance skepticism with open inquiry?
A Different Perspective
Rigidity can also protect against false leads.
![“[Those] who have an excessive faith in their theories or in their ideas are not only poorly disposed to make discoveries, but they also make very poor observations.” quote by Claude Bernard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0fe/claude-bernard-7455_discovery_those-who-have-an-excessive-faith-in-the_508168.jpg)
![“We make our discoveries while in the state [of high functioning] because then we are clear-sighted.” quote by Robert Henri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/81d/robert-henri-1803_clear_we-make-our-discoveries-while-in-the-sta_894204.jpg)
![“I will not agree to have this bill [to repeal DADT ] go forward, because our economy is in the tank.” quote by John McCain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c2c/john-mccain-465_agree_i-will-not-agree-to-have-this-bill-to-re_7321.jpg)
