Affair Quote by Steven Weinberg
“If there is no solace in the fruits of our research, there is at least some consolation in the research itself. Men and women are not content to comfort themselves with tales of gods and giants, or to confine their thoughts to the daily affairs of life; they also build telescopes and satellites and accelerators and sit at their desks for endless hours working out the meaning of the data they gather.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Scientific reflection, 1990s, public lecture
Research offers consolation even without immediate practical benefits, highlighting intrinsic value of inquiry and curiosity
In simple terms: Research comforts through curiosity
Value inquiry beyond utility
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- academic research
- fundamental science
- long‑term projects
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does curiosity drive scientific progress?
- What motivates research without immediate payoff?
May seem abstract to laypeople