Clearing Quote by Matt Ridley
“The fuel on which science runs is ignorance. Science is like a hungry furnace that must be fed logs from the forests of ignorance that surround us. In the process, the clearing we call knowledge expands, but the more it expands, the longer its perimeter and the more ignorance comes into view.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Evolution of Everything, Matt Ridley, 2015
Ignorance fuels scientific progress; as we learn, new unknowns appear, expanding the frontier of knowledge and requiring continual curiosity.
In simple terms: Ignorance drives science, and learning reveals more ignorance.
Key Takeaway
Embrace curiosity; keep asking questions.
Themes
science
knowledge
ignorance
progress
curiosity
Mood
inquisitive
optimistic
analytical
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- research
- education
- innovation
- problem solving
Key Concepts
epistemology
growth mindset
infinite regress
Questions to Reflect On
- What unknowns excite you most?
- How do you turn ignorance into opportunity?
A Different Perspective
Ignorance can be used to justify inaction or misinformation.
