While clearing out a bookshelf, I rediscovered a series of three lectures given by the Physicist Richard P. Feynman. A truly remarkable man indeed. Below is an excerpt from the first of these three lectures (given in April 1963).
Scientists, therefore, are used to dealing with doubt and uncertainty. All scientific knowledge is uncertain. This experience with doubt and uncertainty is important. I believe that it is of very great value, and one that extends beyond the sciences... If we were not able or did not desire to look in any new direction, if we did not have a doubt or recognize ignorance, we would not get any new ideas.
The freedom to doubt is an important matter in the sciences and I believe, in other fields. It was born of a struggle. It was a struggle to be permitted to doubt , to be unsure. If you know that you are not sure, you have a chance to improve the situation. I want to demand this freedom for future generations.
No comments:
Post a Comment