Advice Quote by Peter B. Medawar
““I cannot give any scientist of any age better advice than this: the intensity of the conviction that a hypothesis is true has no bearing on whether it is true or not.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Scientific Method, Peter B. Medawar, 1965
Evidence, not belief, determines truth; conviction alone cannot make a hypothesis correct.
In simple terms: Belief doesn't prove truth.
Base conclusions on data, not just confidence.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- research
- peer review
- policy making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you test a deeply held belief?
- What role does humility play in scientific inquiry?
Strong belief can blind one to contradictory evidence.