Authority Quote by William P. Young
“Much as I venerate the name of Newton, I am not obliged to believe that he was infallible. I see ... with regret that he was liable to err, and that his authority has, perhaps, sometimes even retarded the progress of science.”
About This Quote
Respect for a great scientist does not require blind acceptance of all his ideas; errors can hinder progress.
In simple terms: Admire but question authority.
Key Takeaway
Question authority when evidence contradicts.
Themes
science
humility
progress
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- policy making
- education
- public discourse
- peer review
Key Concepts
critical thinking
fallibility
scientific method
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance reverence with critical scrutiny?
- When should we challenge established authority?
A Different Perspective
Even revered figures can mislead if their errors go unchecked.
![“Those who work standing ... carpenters, sawyers, carvers, blacksmiths, masons ... are liable to varicose veins ... [because] the strain on the muscles is such that the circulation of the blood is retarded. Standing even for a short time proves exhausting compared with walking and running though it…” quote by Bernardino Ramazzini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/13f/bernardino-ramazzini-41586_action_those-who-work-standing-carpenters-sawye_2072785.jpg)
![“The rationale which accompanies that imposition of male authority euphemistically referred to as 'the battle of the sexes' bears a certain resemblance to the formulas of nations at war, where any heinousness is justified on the grounds that the enemy is either an inferior [part of the] species or…” quote by Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/kate-millett-7301_accompany_the-rationale-which-accompanies-that-imp_8896.jpg)