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About this quote

What does it mean?
Society blames investigators of heresy as heretics, similar to assuming doctors of leprosy are lepers; only recently has science been allowed to study freely.
In plain terms
People fear and condemn those who study taboo subjects.
What can you take from it?
Support free inquiry to overcome prejudice.

Where it applies

  • academic policy
  • public discourse

Putting it to work

  • advocacy for research funding
  • education on scientific method

Questions to consider

  • Why do we equate study with belief?
  • How can we protect researchers from stigma?

Another view

Historical context is missing; not all societies are the same.

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