Changed Quote by Julian Baggini
“Science works because the phenomenon being described can be relied on to remain the same. Even in quantum physics, where phenomena are changed by observation, the way in which observation interferes is regular and falls within a limited range of possibilities. Human culture, however, has the nasty habit of never staying the same for very long.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Book of Life, Julian Baggini, 2015
Science relies on repeatable, stable phenomena; even quantum effects follow predictable patterns, unlike ever‑changing human culture.
In simple terms: Science depends on regular, predictable behavior; culture is constantly shifting.
Key Takeaway
Recognize what can be trusted and what is fluid.
Themes
science
predictability
culture
change
philosophy
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
explanatory
philosophical
When to use this quote
- research
- policy making
- personal relationships
- education
Key Concepts
empiricism
quantum mechanics
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you distinguish stable facts from cultural trends?
- When should you trust scientific regularities?
A Different Perspective
Cultural variability can undermine scientific analogies.
![“[Science] works! Planes fly. Cars drive. Computers compute. If you base medicine on science, you cure people. If you base the design of planes on science, they fly. If you base the design of rockets on science, they reach the moon. It works... bitches.” quote by Richard Dawkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/885/richard-dawkins-115_computers_science-works-planes-fly-cars-drive-comp_561441.jpg)
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
