Delusion Quote by Stephen Jay Gould
“All science is intelligent inference; excessive literalism is delusion, not a humble bowing to evidence.”
About This Quote
Source Book: “The Structure of Evolutionary Theory”, 2002
Science relies on intelligent inference; literalism misrepresents evidence and hinders understanding.
In simple terms: Science needs inference, not literalism.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize critical thinking over dogma.
Themes
science
philosophy
methodology
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
educational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- research
- education
- public communication
Key Concepts
epistemology
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How does inference shape scientific progress?
- When is literal interpretation useful?
A Different Perspective
Literalism can oversimplify complex data.
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![“It's [Los Angeles] mostly full of nonsense and delusion and egomania. They think they'll be young and beautiful forever, even though most of them aren't even young and beautiful now.” quote by Christopher Hitchens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a86/christopher-hitchens-117_beautiful_it-s-los-angeles-mostly-full-of-nonsense_10462.jpg)
