Education Quote by John Herschel
“Every student who enters upon a scientific pursuit, especially if at a somewhat advanced period of life, will find not only that he has much to learn, but much also to unlearn.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Foundations of Science, John Herschel, 1860
Scientific learning requires both acquiring new knowledge and discarding outdated concepts.
In simple terms: Science needs learning and unlearning.
Key Takeaway
Be open to unlearning.
Themes
science
education
growth
Mood
curious
motivated
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- research projects
- academic coursework
- career transitions
Key Concepts
epistemology
cognitive flexibility
Questions to Reflect On
- What beliefs might you need to unlearn?
- How does unlearning foster innovation?
A Different Perspective
Clinging to old ideas can impede progress.
![“[When nature appears complicated:] The moment we contemplate it as it is, and attain a position from which we can take a commanding view, though but of a small part of its plan, we never fail to recognize that sublime simplicity on which the mind rests satisfied that it has attained the truth.” quote by John Herschel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c0b/john-herschel-18983_complicated_when-nature-appears-complicated-the-mome_203650.jpg)
![“Accustomed to trace the operation of general causes, and the exemplification of general laws, in circumstances where the uninformed and unenquiring eye perceives neither novelty nor beauty, [the scientist and natural philosopher] walks in the midst of wonders.” quote by John Herschel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/91d/john-herschel-18983_accustomed_accustomed-to-trace-the-operation-of-gen_1136585.jpg)
