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Approach Quote by Francis Crick

“Again the message to experimentalists is: Be sensible but don't be impressed too much by negative arguments. If at all possible, try it and see what turns up. Theorists almost always dislike this sort of approach.” quote by Francis Crick
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“Again the message to experimentalists is: Be sensible but don't be impressed too much by negative arguments. If at all possible, try it and see what turns up. Theorists almost always dislike this sort of approach.”

Francis Crick

About This Quote

Source Interview: The Molecular Biology of the Cell, Francis Crick, 1970

Encourages experimentalists to remain open‑minded, test ideas despite skeptical theorists, and let empirical results guide conclusions.

In simple terms: Test ideas even if theorists doubt them.

Key Takeaway

Try, observe, and let data decide.

Themes

open‑mindedness empiricism scientific method

Mood

curious analytical

Type

scientific practical

When to use this quote

  • lab research
  • drug discovery
  • technology development
  • policy testing

Key Concepts

experimental validation theory‑experiment interaction

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance skepticism with curiosity?
  • When should you abandon a failing experiment?
A Different Perspective

The approach may be time‑consuming and yield null results.

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