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Accumulation Quote by James Bryant Conant

“Science advances, not by the accumulation of new facts, but by the continuous development of new concepts.” quote by James Bryant Conant
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“Science advances, not by the accumulation of new facts, but by the continuous development of new concepts.”

James Bryant Conant

About This Quote

Source Speech: Harvard Commencement Address, James Bryant Conant, 1948

Progress stems from developing fresh concepts, not just gathering facts.

In simple terms: New ideas drive science more than facts.

Key Takeaway

Focus on creating concepts.

Themes

science innovation knowledge creativity

Mood

analytical inquisitive

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • research labs
  • education curricula
  • R&D meetings

Key Concepts

conceptual development paradigm shift

Questions to Reflect On

  • What new concepts could reshape your field?
  • How do you balance fact‑gathering with idea‑generation?
A Different Perspective

Concepts can be hard to test empirically.

4.9 out of 5 (6 ratings)

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