--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: A scientist's aim in a discussion with…" description: "\"A scientist's aim in a discussion with his colleagues is not to persuade, but to clarify.\" — Leo Szilard" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f1e/leo-szilard-22264_aim_a-scientist-s-aim-in-a-discussion-with-h_128107.jpg" --- # A scientist's aim in a discussion with his colleagues is… ![“A scientist's aim in a discussion with his colleagues is not to persuade, but to clarify.” quote by Leo Szilard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f1e/leo-szilard-22264_aim_a-scientist-s-aim-in-a-discussion-with-h_128107.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f1e/leo-szilard-22264_aim_a-scientist-s-aim-in-a-discussion-with-h_128107.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f1e/leo-szilard-22264_aim_a-scientist-s-aim-in-a-discussion-with-h_128107.jpg) > “A scientist's aim in a discussion with his colleagues is not to persuade, but to clarify.” [Leo Szilard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leo-szilard/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Scientific dialogue aims to clarify ideas, not to win arguments; the goal is shared understanding, not persuasion. **In simple terms:** Science seeks clarity, not victory. Key Takeaway Prioritize clear communication. Themes science communication clarity Mood analytical thoughtful Type educational philosophical When to use this quote - research meetings - team projects Key Concepts philosophy of science collaboration Practical Applications - ask probing questions - summarize points Questions to Reflect On - How do you ensure mutual understanding? - What habits improve scientific dialogue? A Different Perspective Clarity can be hindered by bias. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Aim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/aim/) [Colleagues](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/colleagues/) [Colleagues Persuade](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/colleagues-persuade-1476233/) [Discussion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/discussion/) [Discussion Colleagues](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/discussion-colleagues-1476235/) [Persuade Clarify](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/persuade-clarify-1476236/) [Science](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/science/) [Scientist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/scientist/) [Scientist Aim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/scientist-aim-1476234/) ## Related quotes > [Scientists themselves are of surprisingly little help. They find it difficult to talk of what they do because they tend to assume detailed knowledge…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bryan-appleyard/scientists-themselves-are-of-surprisingly-little-help-they-find-it/) [Bryan Appleyard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bryan-appleyard/) > [At a recent conference, a colleague told one of us that in IPCC discussions, some scientists have been reluctant to make strong claims about…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/naomi-oreskes/at-a-recent-conference-a-colleague-told-one-of-us-that-in-ipcc/) [Naomi Oreskes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/naomi-oreskes/) > [I have always been very calm and with all the triumphs I have had I have always been sure to thank my colleagues and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paulinho/i-have-always-been-very-calm-and-with-all-the-triumphs-i-have-had-i/) [Paulinho](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paulinho/) > [For all the civilians saved thanks to the presence of peacekeepers, there have been those who were lost - the United Nations personnel who…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jan-eliasson/for-all-the-civilians-saved-thanks-to-the-presence-of-peacekeepers/) [Jan Eliasson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jan-eliasson/) > [Very often, we are confronted by people who want us to pray their way or colleagues who want us to think their way. We…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harold-klemp/very-often-we-are-confronted-by-people-who-want-us-to-pray-their-way/) [Harold Klemp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harold-klemp/) > [The questions of traditional and redefined marriage are highly emotional and a difficult and sensitive topic. Living in the D.C. area and having gay…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mercedes-schlapp/the-questions-of-traditional-and-redefined-marriage-are-highly/) [Mercedes Schlapp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mercedes-schlapp/) > [We must continue our fight to ensure that Federal, State, and local authorities have the resources and support necessary to combat this growing epidemic.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ron-lewis/we-must-continue-our-fight-to-ensure-that-federal-state-and-local/) [Ron Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ron-lewis/) > [There is a danger of Scottish politics being between two sets of dinosaurs... the Nationalists who can't accept they were rejected by the people,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johann-lamont/there-is-a-danger-of-scottish-politics-being-between-two-sets-of/) [Johann Lamont](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johann-lamont/) > [“The whole organization seemed to be in free fall, indulging in a collective fantasy in which experienced colleagues refused to admit that their every…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-whole-organization-seemed-to-be-in-free-fall-indulging-in-a/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [UN peacekeeping operations are now increasingly complex and multi-dimensional, going beyond monitoring a ceasefire to actually bringing failed States back to life, often after…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kofi-annan/un-peacekeeping-operations-are-now-increasingly-complex-and-multi/) [Kofi Annan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kofi-annan/) > [Don’t let yourself be. Find something new to try, something to change. Count how often it succeeds and how often it doesn’t. Write about…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/atul-gawande/don-t-let-yourself-be-find-something-new-to-try-something-to-change/) [Atul Gawande](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/atul-gawande/) > [My sister-in-law works for a group that supports orphanages in Cairo. She and her colleagues take care of children left behind by circumstances beyond…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mohamed-elbaradei/my-sister-in-law-works-for-a-group-that-supports-orphanages-in-cairo/) [Mohamed ElBaradei](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mohamed-elbaradei/) > [I am sorry to upset my colleagues by saying we wasted four years in opposition, but if you do get so badly defeated as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kenneth-clarke/i-am-sorry-to-upset-my-colleagues-by-saying-we-wasted-four-years-in/) [Kenneth Clarke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kenneth-clarke/) > [It's wonderful to see more of my colleagues recognizing the importance of investing in STEM education and scientific research and development.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-foster/it-s-wonderful-to-see-more-of-my-colleagues-recognizing-the/) [Bill Foster](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-foster/) > [I've never been motivated by money. My peers and colleagues inspire me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robin-chase/i-ve-never-been-motivated-by-money-my-peers-and-colleagues-inspire-me/) [Robin Chase](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robin-chase/) ## More by Leo Szilard > [In science it is not enough to think of an important problem on which to work. It is also necessary to know the means…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leo-szilard/in-science-it-is-not-enough-to-think-of-an-important-problem-on-which/) [Leo Szilard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leo-szilard/) > [I have been asked whether I would agree that the tragedy of the scientist is that he is able to bring about great advances…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leo-szilard/i-have-been-asked-whether-i-would-agree-that-the-tragedy-of-the/) [Leo Szilard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leo-szilard/) > [If one knows only what one is told, one does not know enough to be able to arrive at a well-balanced decision.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leo-szilard/if-one-knows-only-what-one-is-told-one-does-not-know-enough-to-be/) [Leo Szilard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leo-szilard/) > [Don't lie if you don't have to.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leo-szilard/don-t-lie-if-you-don-t-have-to/) [Leo Szilard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leo-szilard/) > [If you want to succeed in the world, you don't have to be much cleverer than other people. You just have to be one…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leo-szilard/if-you-want-to-succeed-in-the-world-you-don-t-have-to-be-much/) [Leo Szilard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leo-szilard/) > [In life you must often choose between getting a job done or getting credit for it. In science, the most important thing is not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leo-szilard/in-life-you-must-often-choose-between-getting-a-job-done-or-getting/) [Leo Szilard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leo-szilard/) > [Science is progressing at such a rapid rate that when you make a prediction and think you are ahead of your time by 100…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leo-szilard/science-is-progressing-at-such-a-rapid-rate-that-when-you-make-a/) [Leo Szilard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leo-szilard/) > [Pronouncement of experts to the effect that something cannot be done has always irritated me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leo-szilard/pronouncement-of-experts-to-the-effect-that-something-cannot-be-done/) [Leo Szilard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leo-szilard/) > [Even if we accept, as the basic tenet of true democracy, that one moron is equal to one genius, is it necessary to go…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leo-szilard/even-if-we-accept-as-the-basic-tenet-of-true-democracy-that-one-moron/) [Leo Szilard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leo-szilard/) > [We turned the switch, saw the flashes, watched for ten minutes, then switched everything off and went home. That night I knew the world…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leo-szilard/we-turned-the-switch-saw-the-flashes-watched-for-ten-minutes-then/) [Leo Szilard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leo-szilard/) > [You may assume infinite ignorance and unlimited intelligence.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leo-szilard/you-may-assume-infinite-ignorance-and-unlimited-intelligence/) [Leo Szilard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leo-szilard/) > [Byrnes... was concerned about Russia's postwar behavior. Russian troops had moved into Hungary and Rumania, and Byrnes thought it would be very difficult to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leo-szilard/byrnes-was-concerned-about-russia-s-postwar-behavior-russian-troops/) [Leo Szilard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leo-szilard/) > [I'm looking for a market for wisdom.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leo-szilard/i-m-looking-for-a-market-for-wisdom/) [Leo Szilard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leo-szilard/) > [Those individuals who give moral considerations a much greater weight than considerations of expediency represent a comparatively small minority, five percent of the people…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leo-szilard/those-individuals-who-give-moral-considerations-a-much-greater-weight/) [Leo Szilard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leo-szilard/) > [The most important step in getting a job done is the recognition of the problem. Once I recognize a problem I usually can think…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leo-szilard/the-most-important-step-in-getting-a-job-done-is-the-recognition-of/) [Leo Szilard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leo-szilard/) [Explore all 27 Leo Szilard quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leo-szilard/) ## More Aim quotes > [If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zig-ziglar/if-you-aim-at-nothing-you-will-hit-it-every-time/) [Zig Ziglar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zig-ziglar/) > [A good aim surveys the present state of experience of pupils, and forming a tentative plan of treatment, keeps the plan constantly in view…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-dewey/a-good-aim-surveys-the-present-state-of-experience-of-pupils-and/) [John Dewey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-dewey/) > [The Christian man must aim at that complete obedience to God in which life finds its highest happiness, its greatest good, its perfect consummation,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-barclay/the-christian-man-must-aim-at-that-complete-obedience-to-god-in-which/) [William Barclay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-barclay/) > [ He \[an earnest young reporter\] seemed to share the view of many intelligent, well-educated, well-meaning people that, while adult literature may aim to be… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/katherine-paterson/he-an-earnest-young-reporter-seemed-to-share-the-view-of-many/) [Katherine Paterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/katherine-paterson/) > [In Bosnia, little children shot in the head by a guy who thinks it's okay to aim his gun at a child.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christiane-amanpour/in-bosnia-little-children-shot-in-the-head-by-a-guy-who-thinks-it-s/) [Christiane Amanpour](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christiane-amanpour/) > [Design certainly has a cosmetic, aesthetic aim. It always aims at making things beautiful. But relevance is just as important. I often say, 'If…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/yves-behar/design-certainly-has-a-cosmetic-aesthetic-aim-it-always-aims-at/) [Yves Behar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/yves-behar/) > [My aim was to make money for the bank. You lose track of the amounts involved when you are engaged in this kind of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-kerviel/my-aim-was-to-make-money-for-the-bank-you-lose-track-of-the-amounts/) [Jerome Kerviel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-kerviel/) > [My only aim is to clock a time that everyone remembers.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hima-das/my-only-aim-is-to-clock-a-time-that-everyone-remembers/) [Hima Das](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hima-das/) > [My main aim has always been to do good quality films with roles that have some substance. With Power and Beauty there were loads…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/natasha-henstridge/my-main-aim-has-always-been-to-do-good-quality-films-with-roles-that/) [Natasha Henstridge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/natasha-henstridge/) > [ I really enjoyed it - being involved in watching rushes and playback \[in "The Invisible Woman"\]. Ralph \[Fiennes\] was very open to my input,… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/felicity-jones/i-really-enjoyed-it-being-involved-in-watching-rushes-and-playback-in/) [Felicity Jones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/felicity-jones/) > [My aim is to be counted among the top players.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/babar-azam/my-aim-is-to-be-counted-among-the-top-players/) [Babar Azam](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/babar-azam/) > [The single aim of my life is that every child is: free to be a child, free to grow and develop, free to eat,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kailash-satyarthi/the-single-aim-of-my-life-is-that-every-child-is-free-to-be-a-child/) [Kailash Satyarthi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kailash-satyarthi/) > [The aim of good prose words is to mean what they say. The aim of good poetical words is to mean what they do…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gilbert-k-chesterton/the-aim-of-good-prose-words-is-to-mean-what-they-say-the-aim-of-good/) [Gilbert K. Chesterton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gilbert-k-chesterton/) > [Prescribing hard work for the soft, or easy work for the hardy, is generally nonsense. What is always needed in any aim is right…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/idries-shah/prescribing-hard-work-for-the-soft-or-easy-work-for-the-hardy-is/) [Idries Shah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/idries-shah/) > [To be normal is the ultimate aim of the unsuccessful.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carl-jung/to-be-normal-is-the-ultimate-aim-of-the-unsuccessful/) [Carl Jung](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carl-jung/) [Browse all 3,047 Aim quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/aim/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "A scientist's aim in a discussion with his colleagues is not to persuade, but to clarify.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Leo Szilard" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leo-szilard/a-scientist-s-aim-in-a-discussion-with-his-colleagues-is-not-to/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Aim" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leo-szilard/a-scientist-s-aim-in-a-discussion-with-his-colleagues-is-not-to/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f1e/leo-szilard-22264_aim_a-scientist-s-aim-in-a-discussion-with-h_128107.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f1e/leo-szilard-22264_aim_a-scientist-s-aim-in-a-discussion-with-h_128107.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f1e/leo-szilard-22264_aim_a-scientist-s-aim-in-a-discussion-with-h_128107.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“A scientist's aim in a discussion with his colleagues is not to persuade, but to clarify.” — Leo Szilard", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Leo Szilard", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leo-szilard/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "A scientist's aim in a discussion...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leo-szilard/a-scientist-s-aim-in-a-discussion-with-his-colleagues-is-not-to/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leo-szilard/a-scientist-s-aim-in-a-discussion-with-his-colleagues-is-not-to/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```