--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Let us make an arbitrary decision (by a…" description: "\"Let us make an arbitrary decision (by a show of hands if necessary) to define the base of every stratigraphical unit in a selected section. This may be..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/50c/d-v-ager-42699_arbitrary_let-us-make-an-arbitrary-decision-by-a-s_2750065.jpg" --- # Let us make an arbitrary decision (by a show of hands if… ![“Let us make an arbitrary decision (by a show of hands if necessary) to define the base of every stratigraphical unit in a selected section. This may be called the "Principle of the Golden Spike." Then stratigraphical nomenclature can be forgotten and we can get on with the real work of…” quote by D. V. Ager](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/50c/d-v-ager-42699_arbitrary_let-us-make-an-arbitrary-decision-by-a-s_2750065.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/50c/d-v-ager-42699_arbitrary_let-us-make-an-arbitrary-decision-by-a-s_2750065.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/50c/d-v-ager-42699_arbitrary_let-us-make-an-arbitrary-decision-by-a-s_2750065.jpg) > “Let us make an arbitrary decision (by a show of hands if necessary) to define the base of every stratigraphical unit in a selected section. This may be called the "Principle of the Golden Spike." Then stratigraphical nomenclature can be forgotten and we can get on with the real work of stratigraphy, which is correlation and interpretation.” [D. V. Ager](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/d-v-ager/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A practical rule to fix a reference point (the Golden Spike) so stratigraphic units can be compared across sections, freeing geologists to focus on correlation and interpretation. **In simple terms:** Define a reference point to simplify comparisons and focus on analysis. Key Takeaway Use a fixed marker to streamline work. Themes geology standardization correlation interpretation Mood analytical practical Type technical educational When to use this quote - field mapping - regional correlation - educational teaching - research planning Key Concepts stratigraphy chronostratigraphy geologic time scale Questions to Reflect On - How does a Golden Spike improve data consistency? - When might flexibility be needed over a fixed point? 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