Believe Quote by Lin Yutang
“In fact,I believe the reason why the Chinese failed to develop botany and zoology is that the Chinese scholar cannot stare coldly and unemotionally at a fish without immediately thinking of how it tastes in the mouth and wanting to eat it. The reason I don't trust Chinese surgeons is that I am afraid that when a Chinese surgeon cuts up my liver in search of a gall-stone, he may forget about the stone and put my liver in a frying pan.”
About This Quote
Source Book: My Country and My People, 1935
Cultural attitudes affect scientific observation; emotional bias can hinder objective study.
In simple terms: Bias hinders objective science.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate detached observation.
Themes
culture
science
bias
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- field research
- medical training
- academic study
Key Concepts
philosophy of science
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- How to balance empathy and objectivity?
- Can culture be separated from science?
A Different Perspective
Complete detachment may be unrealistic.
