Believe Quote by Peter Medawar
“I reckon that for all the use it has been to science about four-fifths of my time has been wasted, and I believe this to be the common lot of people who are not merely playing follow-my-leader in research.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Nobel Lecture, Peter Medawar, 1965
Scientific research often consumes most of a scientist's time, yet much of it yields limited practical value, reflecting a broader inefficiency in how research is pursued.
In simple terms: Research can be time‑wasting and inefficient.
Key Takeaway
Focus on purposeful, impactful work.
Themes
science
efficiency
research culture
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- grant writing
- lab management
- career planning
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
productivity
knowledge creation
resource allocation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance curiosity‑driven and applied research?
- What metrics better capture research value?
A Different Perspective
Not all research aims for immediate application; basic science is essential.
![“[A certain class of explanations in science are] analgesics that dull the ache of incomprehension without removing the cause.” quote by Peter Medawar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fbb/peter-medawar-9996_ache_a-certain-class-of-explanations-in-scien_299816.jpg)
