We follow the scientists around and look over their shoulders. They're watching their feet: provable mistakes are bad for them. We're looking as far ahead as we can, and we don't get penalized for mistakes.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Scientists focus on avoiding errors while the public looks for future possibilities.
- In plain terms
- Scientists avoid mistakes; we look ahead.
- What can you take from it?
- Public speculation faces fewer penalties than scientific error.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who bears the cost of mistakes?
- How should science be governed?
Another view
Speculation can also lead to misguided beliefs.
More from Larry Niven
Stupidity is always a capital crime.
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