Existence Quote by Jean Baptiste Perrin
““Lastly, and doubtless always, but particularly at the end of the last century, certain scholars considered that since the appearances on our scale were finally the only important ones for us, there was no point in seeking what might exist in an inaccessible domain. I find it very difficult to understand this point of view since what is inaccessible today may become accessible tomorrow (as has happened by the invention of the microscope), and also because coherent assumptions on what is still invisible may increase our understanding of the visible.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Scientific Lecture, early 20th century, unknown venue
Science should not ignore unseen phenomena because future tools may reveal them, expanding knowledge of the observable.
In simple terms: Invisible things may become visible, so study them.
Key Takeaway
Keep investigating the unknown.
Themes
science
curiosity
knowledge
progress
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- research planning
- education
- policy making
- public outreach
Key Concepts
philosophy
epistemology
future technology
Questions to Reflect On
- What unseen phenomena could reshape our understanding?
- How do we balance focus on the visible with speculation about the invisible?
A Different Perspective
Assuming current limits are final can stall innovation.
![“[Concerning] phosphorescent bodies, and in particular to uranium salts whose phosphorescence has a very brief duration. With the double sulfate of uranium and potassium ... I was able to perform the following experiment: One wraps a Lumière photographic plate with a bromide emulsion in two sheets…” quote by Antoine Henri Becquerel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/21e/antoine-henri-becquerel-162357_discovery-of-radioac_concerning-phosphorescent-bodies-and-in_633685.jpg)
