If we do not add something to the knowledge of cosmic rays by our trip to the stratosphere this summer, we had better not go. We had better stay on the ground, be hewers of wood and drawers of water.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- If the stratospheric trip doesn't add to our knowledge of cosmic rays, we should stay on the ground and do ordinary work.
- In plain terms
- If the flight yields no new knowledge, we should not go.
- What can you take from it?
- Only undertake risky ventures when they promise valuable results.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What criteria should determine whether a mission proceeds?
- How do we measure the value of knowledge?
Another view
Sometimes even small data gains can justify the effort.
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