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Discovery Quote by Max Planck

“Scientific discovery and scientific knowledge have been achieved only by those who have gone in pursuit of it without any practical purpose whatsoever in view.” quote by Max Planck
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“Scientific discovery and scientific knowledge have been achieved only by those who have gone in pursuit of it without any practical purpose whatsoever in view.”

Max Planck

About This Quote

Source Lecture: Foundations of Quantum Theory, 1918

Claims scientific breakthroughs arise from curiosity without immediate practical aims.

In simple terms: Pure curiosity drives discovery.

Key Takeaway

Pursue knowledge for its own sake.

Themes

science curiosity exploration

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive

Type

academic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • research labs
  • academic study
  • intellectual inquiry

Key Concepts

fundamental research theoretical physics innovation

Questions to Reflect On

  • What pure‑curiosity question excites you?
  • How can society support non‑practical research?
A Different Perspective

Funding may favor applied projects over pure research.

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