Top 25 Quotes by Arthur Eddington of 80 - Page 4

The understanding between a non-technical writer and his reader is that he shall talk more or less like a human being and not like an Act of Parliament. I take it that the aim of such books must be to convey exact

The understanding between a non-technical writer and his reader is that he shall talk more or less like a human being and not like an Act of Parliament. I take it that the aim of such books must be to convey exact thought in inexact language... he can never succeed without the co-operation of the reader.

Arthur Eddington

Book, Science, Understanding

Arthur Eddington (2012). “New Pathways in Science: Messenger Lectures (1934)”, p.279, Cambridge University Press

It is also a good rule not to put overmuch confidence in the observational results that are put forward until they are confirmed by theory.

Arthur Eddington

Statistics, Results, Theory

Sir Arthur Eddington (2013). “New Pathways In Science”, p.177, Read Books Ltd

Science is one thing, wisdom is another. Science is an edged tool, with which men play like children, and cut their own fingers. If you look at the results which science has brought in its train, you will find them to consist almost wholly in elements of mischief. See how much belongs to the word "Explosion" alone, of which the ancients knew nothing.

Arthur Eddington

Wisdom, Children, Cutting

[When thinking about the new relativity and quantum theories] I have felt a homesickness for the paths of physical science where there are ore or less discernible handrails to keep us from the worst morasses of foolishness.

Arthur Eddington

Science, Thinking, Path