Geologists Quote by John McPhee
““The home terms still apply. The enthusiasm geologists show for adding new words to their conversation is, if anything, exceeded by their affection for the old. They are not about to drop granite. They say granodiorite when they are in church and granite the rest of the week.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Annals of the Former World, John McPhee, 1998
Geologists love both new terminology and traditional names, showing reverence for history while embracing progress.
In simple terms: Geologists balance new and old terms.
Key Takeaway
Respect tradition while learning new language.
Themes
science
language
tradition
progress
geology
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
reflective
Type
academic
professional.
When to use this quote
- academic discussions
- fieldwork
- teaching geology
- publishing research
Key Concepts
terminology
cognitive bias
professional culture
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do professionals cling to legacy terms?
- How can new terms be introduced without losing heritage?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on jargon can alienate non‑experts.
![“[The] subjective [historical] element in geologic studies accounts for two characteristic types that can be distinguished among geologists: one considering geology as a creative art, the other regarding geology as an exact science.” quote by Reinout Willem van Bemmelen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f59/reinout-willem-van-bemmelen-44_accounts_the-subjective-historical-element-in-geo_534299.jpg)
