---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is in the nature of science that once…"
description: "\"It is in the nature of science that once a position becomes orthodox it should be suggested to criticism… It does not follow that, because a position i..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ab0/john-maynard-smith-28856_criticism_it-is-in-the-nature-of-science-that-once_346735.png"
---

#  It is in the nature of science that once a position…

![“It is in the nature of science that once a position becomes orthodox it should be suggested to criticism… It does not follow that, because a position is orthodox, it is wrong.” quote by John Maynard Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ab0/john-maynard-smith-28856_criticism_it-is-in-the-nature-of-science-that-once_346735.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ab0/john-maynard-smith-28856_criticism_it-is-in-the-nature-of-science-that-once_346735.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ab0/john-maynard-smith-28856_criticism_it-is-in-the-nature-of-science-that-once_346735.png)

> “It is in the nature of science that once a position becomes orthodox it should be suggested to criticism… It does not follow that, because a position is orthodox, it is wrong.”

[John Maynard Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-maynard-smith/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Scientific consensus can become entrenched, but orthodoxy does not equal truth; continual critique is essential for progress.

**In simple terms:** Consensus isn’t proof of correctness; keep questioning.

Key Takeaway

Challenge accepted ideas.

Themes

science critical thinking orthodoxy progress

Mood

inquisitive cautious

Type

analytical reflective

When to use this quote

- research labs
- policy debates
- academic curricula
- public health guidelines

Key Concepts

philosophy of science epistemology skepticism

Questions to Reflect On

- How do you identify when consensus hinders discovery?
- What mechanisms ensure healthy dissent?

A Different Perspective

Orthodoxy can stifle innovation if criticism is suppressed.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Criticism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/criticism/) [Criticism Does](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/criticism-does-955276/) [Doe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/doe/) [Nature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nature/) [Orthodox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/orthodox/) [Orthodox Suggested](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/orthodox-suggested-3210807/) [Orthodox Wrong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/orthodox-wrong-3210806/) [Position](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/position/) [Position Orthodox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/position-orthodox-3210808/) [Science](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/science/) [Should](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/should/) [Suggested Criticism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/suggested-criticism-3210809/)

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> [Always have the fear of God in your heart, and remember that God is always with you, everywhere, whether you are walking or sitting.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gennadius-of-constantinople/always-have-the-fear-of-god-in-your-heart-and-remember-that-god-is/)

[Gennadius of Constantinople](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gennadius-of-constantinople/)

## More by John Maynard Smith

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> [The good author is he who contemplates without marked joy or excessive sorrow the adventures of his soul amongst criticisms.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-conrad/the-good-author-is-he-who-contemplates-without-marked-joy-or/)

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