--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The particular thing about science is to…" description: "\"The particular thing about science is to combine that [the dreams of obtaining power] with a retreat from the world. Other people want to obtain power ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2ac/max-delbruck-36906_dream_the-particular-thing-about-science-is-to_1662315.png" --- # The particular thing about science is to combine that \[the… ![“The particular thing about science is to combine that [the dreams of obtaining power] with a retreat from the world. Other people want to obtain power by going out into the world, but the scientist really wants to obtain power by retreating from the world.” quote by Max Delbruck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2ac/max-delbruck-36906_dream_the-particular-thing-about-science-is-to_1662315.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2ac/max-delbruck-36906_dream_the-particular-thing-about-science-is-to_1662315.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2ac/max-delbruck-36906_dream_the-particular-thing-about-science-is-to_1662315.png) > “The particular thing about science is to combine that \[the dreams of obtaining power\] with a retreat from the world. Other people want to obtain power by going out into the world, but the scientist really wants to obtain power by retreating from the world.” [Max Delbruck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/max-delbruck/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Scientists seek power through deep, isolated inquiry, unlike others who pursue influence outwardly **In simple terms:** Scientists gain power by retreating into focused research Key Takeaway Value solitude for profound scientific insight Themes science motivation power dynamics intellectual isolation Mood reflective analytical Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - lab work - theoretical study - grant writing Key Concepts epistemic authority research focus personal fulfillment Questions to Reflect On - How does retreating affect scientific collaboration? - Can solitude coexist with community engagement? 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