Coal Quote by Paul D. Boyer
“The experience reminds me of a favorite saying: Most of the yield from research efforts comes from the coal that is mined while looking for diamonds.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Scientific Reflections, 1992
Research often yields valuable results not from the main goal but from side discoveries made during the search.
In simple terms: Unexpected findings can be more valuable than the intended outcome.
Key Takeaway
Value and findings, not just the target.
Themes
research
innovation
serendipity
Mood
curious
optimistic
Type
scientific
inspirational
When to use this quote
- lab experiments
- field studies
- product development
Key Concepts
scientific method
creative problem solving
collaborative work
Questions to Reflect On
- How can teams encourage serendipitous discoveries?
- What structures support learning from unexpected results?
A Different Perspective
Not all effort leads directly to the intended result; chance plays a role.
