Butterfly Quote by Richard Lewontin
“An experimental science is supposed to perform experiments that find generalities. It's not just supposed to tally up a long list of individual cases and their unique life histories. That's butterfly collecting.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Triple Helix by Richard Lewontin, 1995
Science should seek universal principles, not just catalog unique cases.
In simple terms: Science aims for general rules, not just specific examples.
Key Takeaway
Focus on uncovering broad patterns.
Themes
science
methodology
generalization
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- research design
- policy analysis
- education curriculum
- public health studies
Key Concepts
epistemology
theory building
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance detailed data with theory building?
- What risks arise from ignoring unique contexts?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on specifics can miss broader insights.
