Investigator Quote by J.L. Heilbron
““Woe to the investigator so in love with his new idea that he neglects to test it rigorously against received wisdom; woe also to the investigator so in love with his old conceptions that he refuses to weigh the merits of a new insight.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Scientific Method, 1975
Researchers can become attached to new or old ideas, ignoring rigorous testing against established knowledge.
In simple terms: Scientists may favor ideas they love over objective evidence.
Key Takeaway
Maintain objectivity and test all ideas equally.
Themes
science
critical thinking
bias
Mood
skeptical
analytical
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- lab research
- theory development
- peer review
Key Concepts
confirmation bias
methodology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you guard against bias?
- When have you changed a belief after testing?
A Different Perspective
Over‑attachment to ideas can hinder progress.
