Laws of nature Quote by Michael Crichton
““A third reason scientists are reluctant to examine paranormal phenomena is that they appear to contradict known physical laws. What is the point of studying the impossible? Only a fool would waste his time. The problem of data in conflict with existing theory cannot be overstated. Arthur Eddington once said you should never believe any experiment until it has been confirmed by theory, but this humorous view has a reality that cannot be discounted.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: “The Andromeda Strain” by Michael Crichton, 1969
It argues that studying phenomena that contradict known laws is futile, warning against wasting effort on impossible concepts.
In simple terms: Studying impossible things is a waste.
Key Takeaway
Focus on research grounded in established science.
Themes
science
skepticism
methodology
Mood
skeptical
analytical
Type
philosophical
scientific
When to use this quote
- academic research
- policy making
- funding decisions
Key Concepts
paranormal
theory testing
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- When should we explore beyond current theories?
- How do we balance skepticism with curiosity?
A Different Perspective
Dismissal may hinder breakthroughs.
![“My dad was a different person when he lectured: his eyes sparkled, his lips turned upward… 'Think what it must have been like for Darwin, two hundred years ago. He took that voyage on the Beagle [1831] expecting to document the natural world and he stumbled across something impossible. A creature…” quote by Jennifer Lynn Barnes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/49c/jennifer-lynn-barnes-2448_different-person_my-dad-was-a-different-person-when-he-le_1140378.jpg)
