Charles-babbage Quote by David Brewster
““And why does England thus persecute the votaries of her science? Why does she depress them to the level of her hewers of wood and her drawers of water? Is it because science flatters no courtier, mingles in no political strife? ... Can we behold unmoved the science of England, the vital principle of her arts, struggling for existence, the meek and unarmed victim of political strife? [Reviewing Charles Babbage's Book, Reflections on the Decline of Science in England (1830)]””
About This Quote
Source Book: Reflections on the Decline of Science in England, 1830, Review by David Brewster
Scientific inquiry suffers when politics suppress it, as England’s science is hindered by political strife and lack of patronage.
In simple terms: Politics can stifle scientific progress.
Key Takeaway
Support independent science.
Themes
science
politics
patronage
intellectual freedom
historical decline
Mood
concerned
analytical
critical
Type
historical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- government funding
- public discourse
- education policy
Key Concepts
epistemology
state influence
science policy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies protect science from political interference?
- What structures ensure unbiased scientific inquiry?
A Different Perspective
Political interests may still dominate funding, limiting true independence.
