Determine Quote by James Harvey Robinson
“Mere lack of success does not discredit a method, for there are many things that determine and perpetuate our sanctified ways of doing things besides their success in reaching their proposed ends.”
About This Quote
Source Article: The Nature of Method, James Harvey Robinson, 1913
A method’s value isn’t judged solely by success; many other factors sustain its use.
In simple terms: Success isn’t the only measure of a method.
Key Takeaway
Evaluate methods by broader criteria.
Themes
philosophy
science
methodology
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- research design
- policy making
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
epistemology
social influence
institutional inertia
Questions to Reflect On
- What hidden factors keep a method alive?
- How can we assess a method’s true effectiveness?
A Different Perspective
Methods may persist despite inefficiency due to tradition.
