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Advice Quote by Peter Medawar

“I cannot give any scientist of any age better advice than this: the intensity of a conviction that a hypothesis is true has no bearing over whether it is true or not.” quote by Peter Medawar
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“I cannot give any scientist of any age better advice than this: the intensity of a conviction that a hypothesis is true has no bearing over whether it is true or not.”

Peter Medawar

About This Quote

Source Essay: "The Art of Science" by Peter Medawar, 1965

Scientific belief does not guarantee truth; evidence must decide, not conviction.

In simple terms: Belief isn’t proof.

Key Takeaway

Rely on data.

Themes

science epistemology critical thinking

Mood

analytical cautious

Type

educational inspirational

When to use this quote

  • research labs
  • policy decisions
  • education
  • peer review

Key Concepts

bias confirmation methodology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you separate belief from evidence?
  • What safeguards prevent bias?
A Different Perspective

Strong convictions can blind objective analysis.

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