---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: A miscalculation is not negligence, nor…"
description: "\"A miscalculation is not negligence, nor prudence a crime. I am a scientist. I base my action or inaction upon probability and evidence. There is a reas..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/345/rick-yancey-831_action_a-miscalculation-is-not-negligence-nor-p_341653.jpg"
---

#  A miscalculation is not negligence, nor prudence a crime…

![“A miscalculation is not negligence, nor prudence a crime. I am a scientist. I base my action or inaction upon probability and evidence. There is a reason we call science a discipline! Inferior minds bolt or build pyres to roast the witches in their midst!” quote by Rick Yancey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/345/rick-yancey-831_action_a-miscalculation-is-not-negligence-nor-p_341653.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/345/rick-yancey-831_action_a-miscalculation-is-not-negligence-nor-p_341653.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/345/rick-yancey-831_action_a-miscalculation-is-not-negligence-nor-p_341653.jpg)

> “A miscalculation is not negligence, nor prudence a crime. I am a scientist. I base my action or inaction upon probability and evidence. There is a reason we call science a discipline! Inferior minds bolt or build pyres to roast the witches in their midst!”

[Rick Yancey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-yancey/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Science demands decisions based on evidence, not emotion; mistakes differ from negligence, emphasizing rational responsibility.

**In simple terms:** Science is about evidence, not blame.

Key Takeaway

Base actions on data.

Themes

ethics science responsibility mistakes

Mood

thoughtful serious analytical

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

- research labs
- policy debates
- ethical dilemmas

Key Concepts

probability evidence decision making

Questions to Reflect On

- How do we balance caution and action?
- When is a miscalculation acceptable?

A Different Perspective

Human bias can distort rational choices.

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