--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Nature may be as selfishly studied as…" description: "\"Nature may be as selfishly studied as trade. Astronomy to the selfish becomes astrology; psychology, mesmerism (with intent to show where aour spoons a..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7b8/ralph-waldo-emerson-6_anatomy_nature-may-be-as-selfishly-studied-as-tr_364152.png" --- # Nature may be as selfishly studied as trade. Astronomy to… ![“Nature may be as selfishly studied as trade. Astronomy to the selfish becomes astrology; psychology, mesmerism (with intent to show where aour spoons are gone); and anatomy and physiology become phrenology and palmistry.” quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7b8/ralph-waldo-emerson-6_anatomy_nature-may-be-as-selfishly-studied-as-tr_364152.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7b8/ralph-waldo-emerson-6_anatomy_nature-may-be-as-selfishly-studied-as-tr_364152.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7b8/ralph-waldo-emerson-6_anatomy_nature-may-be-as-selfishly-studied-as-tr_364152.png) > “Nature may be as selfishly studied as trade. Astronomy to the selfish becomes astrology; psychology, mesmerism (with intent to show where aour spoons are gone); and anatomy and physiology become phrenology and palmistry.” [Ralph Waldo Emerson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ralph-waldo-emerson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Human curiosity turns natural study into self‑serving practices, distorting pure science into superstition. **In simple terms:** Studying nature can become self‑centered and superstitious. Key Takeaway Pursue knowledge with humility and purpose. Themes science ego superstition Mood thoughtful inquisitive Type philosophical critical When to use this quote - academic research - education reform - public science communication - spiritual inquiry Key Concepts philosophy of science human nature Questions to Reflect On - How can we keep scientific inquiry selfless? - What safeguards prevent knowledge from becoming superstition? A Different Perspective The critique may overlook collaborative, altruistic science. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Anatomy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/anatomy/) [Anatomy and physiology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/anatomy-and-physiology/) [Astrology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/astrology/) [Astronomy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/astronomy/) [Nature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nature/) [Phrenology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/phrenology/) [Physiology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/physiology/) [Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/) [Science](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/science/) [Trade](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/trade/) ## Related quotes > [Astronomy to the selfish becomes astrology.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ralph-waldo-emerson/astronomy-to-the-selfish-becomes-astrology/) [Ralph Waldo Emerson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ralph-waldo-emerson/) > [Astrology is the sheerest hokum. 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