We must never forget that it is principles not phenomena,-laws, not insulated, independent facts, which are the object and the inquiry of the natural philosopher.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Natural philosophers should focus on underlying principles and laws rather than just isolated facts.
- In plain terms
- Study the laws behind things, not just the things themselves.
- What can you take from it?
- Focus on principles over isolated facts.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What principles guide your work?
- Do you focus on facts or laws?
Another view
Sometimes specific facts are more immediately useful than general laws.
More from John Herschel
Accustomed to trace the operation of general causes, and the exemplification of general laws, in circumstances where the uninformed and unenquiring eye perceiv…
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Permalink to quote #6 To the natural philosopher there is no natural object unimportant or trifling.
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