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Early love Quote by Peter Medawar

“Twice in my life I have spent two weary and scientifically profitless years seeking evidence to corroborate dearly loved hypotheses that later proved to be groundless; times such as these are hard for scientists-days of leaden gray skies bringing with them a miserable sense of oppression and…” quote by Peter Medawar
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“Twice in my life I have spent two weary and scientifically profitless years seeking evidence to corroborate dearly loved hypotheses that later proved to be groundless; times such as these are hard for scientists-days of leaden gray skies bringing with them a miserable sense of oppression and inadequacy.”

Peter Medawar

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Art of the Solitary, Peter Medawar, 1975

Scientists sometimes endure long, unproductive periods while chasing cherished ideas that later prove false, leading to frustration and self‑doubt.

In simple terms: Research can be frustrating when hypotheses fail.

Key Takeaway

Accept uncertainty and keep learning.

Themes

science failure perseverance humility

Mood

reflective melancholic

Type

cautionary inspirational

When to use this quote

  • grant writing
  • lab work
  • theoretical modeling
  • peer review

Key Concepts

epistemology psychology research methodology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you cope with failed experiments?
  • What can you learn from a disproven hypothesis?
A Different Perspective

Even false leads can waste time and resources.

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