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Artist Quote by Lewis Thomas

“Science will...produce the data..., but never the full meaning. For perceiving real significance, we shall need...most of all the brains of poets, [and] also those of artists, musicians, philosophers, historians, writers in general.” quote by Lewis Thomas
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“Science will...produce the data..., but never the full meaning. For perceiving real significance, we shall need...most of all the brains of poets, [and] also those of artists, musicians, philosophers, historians, writers in general.”

Lewis Thomas

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Lives of a Cell, 1974

Science yields data but not meaning; poets, artists, and thinkers are needed to interpret significance.

In simple terms: Data alone isn’t enough; we need creative insight.

Key Takeaway

Value interdisciplinary perspectives for meaning.

Themes

science art philosophy

Mood

thoughtful introspective

Type

academic inspirational

When to use this quote

  • research analysis
  • artistic collaboration
  • public communication
  • education curricula

Key Concepts

interpretation creativity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do artists contribute to scientific understanding?
  • What balance between data and interpretation is ideal?
A Different Perspective

May underplay scientific rigor.

3.9 out of 5 (5 ratings)

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