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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

  • policy making
  • public discourse
  • research

Putting it to work

  • value peer review
  • support science
  • ask questions

Questions to consider

  • Who bears the cost of mistakes?
  • How should science be governed?

Another view

Speculation can also lead to misguided beliefs.

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