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Empiricism Quote by Pliny the Elder

“It is madness that certain men have preoccupied their minds with measuring the world and have dared to publish their results.” quote by Pliny the Elder
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““It is madness that certain men have preoccupied their minds with measuring the world and have dared to publish their results.””

Pliny the Elder

About This Quote

Source Book: Natural History by Pliny the Elder, 77 AD

Criticizes those who obsess over measuring the world and publishing results, calling it madness

In simple terms: Obsessive measurement and publication are seen as irrational

Key Takeaway

Beware of over‑analysis without purpose

Themes

science hubris knowledge

Mood

critical reflective

Type

historical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • research
  • academic publishing
  • data collection

Key Concepts

epistemology scientific method

Questions to Reflect On

  • What drives the need to quantify everything?
  • How can we balance measurement with insight?
A Different Perspective

Excessive focus on metrics can miss deeper understanding

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