First time Quote by Steven Johnson
![“And so it was with the Broad Street well that the decision to remove the pump handle turned out to be more significant than the short-term effects of that decision [Cholera outbreak abated.] . . . .But the pump handle stands for more than that local redemption. It marks a turning point in the…” quote by Steven Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b2/steven-johnson-9014_first-time_and-so-it-was-with-the-broad-street-well_2967220.jpg)
““And so it was with the Broad Street well that the decision to remove the pump handle turned out to be more significant than the short-term effects of that decision [Cholera outbreak abated.] . . . .But the pump handle stands for more than that local redemption. It marks a turning point in the battle between urban man and V. cholerae , because for the first time a public institution had made an informed intervention into a cholera outbreak based on a scientifically sound theory of the disease. . . . For the first time, the V. cholerae's growing dominion over the city would be challenged by reason, not superstition.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Ghost Map by Steven Johnson, 2006
The removal of the Broad Street pump handle showed that scientific reasoning can triumph over superstition in public health crises.
In simple terms: Science can stop disease better than myths.
Key Takeaway
Apply evidence‑based solutions.
Themes
science
public health
reason
urban history
Mood
thoughtful
informed
Type
historical
educational
When to use this quote
- city planning
- public health response
- education campaigns
- community outreach
Key Concepts
epidemiology
social change
policy
innovation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can modern societies ensure evidence guides policy?
- What barriers still let superstition influence health decisions?
A Different Perspective
Science alone cannot solve all crises without political will.
