Communication Quote by Evan Esar
“A bacteriologist is a man whose conversation always start with the germ of an idea.”
About This Quote
Source Cartoon: Humor column, 1958
A bacteriologist’s conversations start with the germ of an idea, playing on the word germ.
In simple terms: Scientists start ideas with germs.
Key Takeaway
Find the seed of ideas early.
Themes
science
humor
communication
Mood
lighthearted
witty
Type
humorous
educational
When to use this quote
- research meetings
- science education
- brainstorming sessions
- public outreach
Key Concepts
wordplay
creative thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How can humor aid scientific dialogue?
- What are other metaphors for idea generation?
A Different Perspective
The pun may obscure the seriousness of scientific work.
![“[T]here is no consensus in the psychiatric community that Dr. Lecter should be termed a man. He has long been regarded by his professional peers in psychiatry, many of whom fear his acid pen in the professional journals, as something entirely Other. For convenience, they term him “monster”.” quote by Thomas Harris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/37c/thomas-harris-1874_quote_t-here-is-no-consensus-in-the-psychiatri_27085.jpg)
![“We need very much a name to describe a cultivator of science in general. I should incline to call him a scientist. [The first use of the word.]” quote by William Whewell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c81/william-whewell-17887_firsts_we-need-very-much-a-name-to-describe-a-c_609740.jpg)
![“Very few [doctors] are men of science in any very serious sense; they're men of technique.” quote by Robertson Davies](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5d5/robertson-davies-834_accounts_very-few-doctors-are-men-of-science-in-a_1644836.jpg)
