Skip to content

Discovery Quote by Henry David Thoreau

“The process of discovery is very simple. An unwearied and systematic application of known laws to nature causes the unknown to reveal themselves.” quote by Henry David Thoreau
Download Open image
“The process of discovery is very simple. An unwearied and systematic application of known laws to nature causes the unknown to reveal themselves.”

Henry David Thoreau

About This Quote

Source Essay: “Walden”, Henry David Thoreau, 1854

Discovery comes from systematically applying known principles to nature, allowing the unknown to become apparent.

In simple terms: Apply known laws to nature to uncover the unknown.

Key Takeaway

Use systematic observation to reveal new insights.

Themes

science methodology curiosity observation learning

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive analytical

Type

educational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • research projects
  • field studies
  • educational experiments
  • problem solving

Key Concepts

empiricism philosophy of science systematic inquiry

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you balance systematic study with intuition?
  • What known laws could you test in a new context?
A Different Perspective

Systematic methods may miss serendipitous breakthroughs that require intuition.

2.1 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by Henry David Thoreau

Explore all 3,376 Henry David Thoreau quotes

More Discovery quotes

Browse all 3,125 Discovery quotes