Casting Quote by Hippocrates
“But medicine has long had all its means to hand, and has discovered both a principle and a method, through which the discoveries made during a long period are many and excellent, while full discovery will be made, if the inquirer be competent, conduct his researches with knowledge of the discoveries already made, and make them his starting-point. But anyone who, casting aside and rejecting all these means, attempts to conduct research in any other way or after another fashion, and asserts that he has found out anything, is and has been victim of deception.”
About This Quote
A warning against disregarding accumulated scientific knowledge when conducting research, emphasizing the need for competence and awareness of prior discoveries.
In simple terms: Respect for precedent
Key Takeaway
Ignorance leads to deception
Themes
science
methodology
history of ideas
Mood
cautious
didactic
Type
philosophical admonition
When to use this quote
- starting a new study
- challenging established theories
Key Concepts
research integrity
competence
Practical Applications
- reviewing literature
- building on existing work
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance novelty with tradition?
- What safeguards prevent self‑deception?
A Different Perspective
Innovation can arise from paradigm shifts, but must still engage with prior knowledge.
