Accounts Quote by Reinout Willem van Bemmelen
“[The] subjective [historical] element in geologic studies accounts for two characteristic types that can be distinguished among geologists: one considering geology as a creative art, the other regarding geology as an exact science.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Geology and Man, Reinout Willem van Bemmelen, 1955
Geology can be seen either as a creative art or as a precise science, reflecting differing approaches to interpreting Earth’s history.
In simple terms: Geology is art or science.
Recognize your own perspective and integrate both.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- academic research
- field mapping
- educational curricula
- public outreach
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your training influence your view of geology?
- Can both perspectives coexist productively?
Balancing creativity with rigor can be challenging in practice.