Accounts Quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr
“Science is a first-rate piece of furniture for a man's upper chamber, if he has common sense on the ground-floor. But if a man hasn't got plenty of good common sense, the more science he has, the worse for his patient.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Deacon's Masterpiece, 1855
Science without practical judgment can be harmful; common sense grounds its usefulness.
In simple terms: Science needs common sense to be helpful.
Key Takeaway
Balance knowledge with practical wisdom.
Themes
science
common sense
practicality
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- medical practice
- policy making
- education
- personal decisions
Key Concepts
epistemology
human judgment
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you apply scientific knowledge responsibly?
- When does expertise become a hindrance?
A Different Perspective
Excessive reliance on theory may ignore real-world nuances.
