Science Quote by Robert M. Sapolsky
““I am not worried if scientists go and explain everything. This is for a very simple reason: an impala sprinting across the Savannah can be reduced to biomechanics, and Bach can be reduced to counterpoint, yet that does not decrease one iota our ability to shiver as we experience impalas leaping or Bach thundering. We can only gain and grow with each discovery that there is structure underlying the most accessible levels of things that fill us with awe. But there is an even stronger reason why I am not afraid that scientists will inadvertently go and explain everything--it will never happen. While in certain realms, it may prove to be the case that science can explain any thing, it will never explain every thing. As should be obvious after all these pages, as part of the scientific process, for every question answered, a dozen newer ones are generated. And they are usually far more puzzling, more challenging than than the prior problems. This was stated wonderfully in a quote by a geneticist named Haldane earlier in the century: "Life is not only stranger than we imagine, it is stranger than we can imagine." We will never have our flames extinguished by knowledge. The purpose of science is not to cure us of our sense of mystery and wonder, but to constantly reinvent and reinvigorate it.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on Science and Wonder, 2015
Science reveals structure but never eliminates mystery; each answer spawns new, deeper questions that keep wonder alive.
In simple terms: Science uncovers patterns yet leaves room for awe.
Embrace discovery while cherishing mystery.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- education
- research
- public talks
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does new knowledge reshape your sense of awe?
- What mysteries do you think will always remain?
Science cannot explain every subjective experience or emotional depth.