Skip to content

Authority Quote by Serge Lang

“If Baltimore's view, that scientists who do not take the words of authorities are far removed from the ordinary behavior of scientists, prevails in the scientific community, then something fundamental, very serious, and very disturbing is happening to the scientific community.” quote by Serge Lang
Download Open image
“If Baltimore's view, that scientists who do not take the words of authorities are far removed from the ordinary behavior of scientists, prevails in the scientific community, then something fundamental, very serious, and very disturbing is happening to the scientific community.”

Serge Lang

About This Quote

Source Speech: Public Lecture, 1990s, USA

The scientific community is drifting away from critical thinking, becoming overly deferential to authority, which threatens its integrity.

In simple terms: Scientists are ignoring criticism, harming science.

Key Takeaway

Encourage open critique.

Themes

science authority integrity

Mood

concerned serious

Type

analytical warning

When to use this quote

  • research labs
  • academic conferences
  • policy making

Key Concepts

critical thinking institutional pressure

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we foster dissent in science?
  • What incentives discourage questioning?
A Different Perspective

Change is slow and faces resistance.

3.4 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Serge Lang

Explore all 18 Serge Lang quotes

More Authority quotes

Browse all 4,003 Authority quotes