Application Quote by Robert S. Mulliken
“While it is never safe to affirm that the future of Physical Science has no marvels in store even more astonishing than those of the past, it seems probable that most of the grand underlying principles have been firmly established and that further advances are to be sought chiefly in the rigorous application of these principles to all the phenomena which come under our notice.”
About This Quote
Source Book: "The Nature of the Chemical Bond" (1958)
Scientific progress will shift from discovering new principles to applying known ones rigorously across phenomena, suggesting diminishing revolutionary breakthroughs.
In simple terms: Future science focuses on applying known laws, not discovering new ones.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize rigorous application of existing knowledge.
Themes
science
progress
methodology
innovation
education
Mood
analytical
optimistic
Type
philosophical
scientific
When to use this quote
- research labs
- engineering projects
- policy making
- education curricula
Key Concepts
theory
empiricism
application
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we foster creativity within established frameworks?
- What areas might still hold unknown principles?
A Different Perspective
New discoveries may still emerge unexpectedly.
