---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Science appears but what in truth she is…"
description: "\"Science appears but what in truth she is, Not as our glory and our absolute boast, But as a succedaneum, and a prop To our infirmity.\" — William Wordsw..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/114/william-wordsworth-403_absolutes_science-appears-but-what-in-truth-she-is_81054.jpg"
---

#  Science appears but what in truth she is, Not as our glory…

![“Science appears but what in truth she is, Not as our glory and our absolute boast, But as a succedaneum, and a prop To our infirmity.” quote by William Wordsworth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/114/william-wordsworth-403_absolutes_science-appears-but-what-in-truth-she-is_81054.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/114/william-wordsworth-403_absolutes_science-appears-but-what-in-truth-she-is_81054.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/114/william-wordsworth-403_absolutes_science-appears-but-what-in-truth-she-is_81054.jpg)

> “Science appears but what in truth she is, Not as our glory and our absolute boast, But as a succedaneum, and a prop To our infirmity.”

[William Wordsworth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-wordsworth/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Science is portrayed as a modest tool, not a source of pride, serving to support human limitations rather than elevate them.

**In simple terms:** Science as a humble aid.

Key Takeaway

Science aids human frailty.

Themes

humility human limitation science as tool modesty epistemology

Mood

contemplative reflective

Type

philosophical poetic

When to use this quote

- academic research
- medical diagnosis
- technological development
- policy making
- education

Key Concepts

science human condition knowledge pride

Practical Applications

- informing policy decisions
- enhancing diagnostic accuracy

Questions to Reflect On

- How does viewing science as a support change our expectations?
- What are the risks of overstating scientific authority?

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[Absolutes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/absolutes/) [Boast](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/boast/) [Glory](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/glory/) [Infirmity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/infirmity/) [Science](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/science/) [Truth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truth/)

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## More by William Wordsworth

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