There cannot be a greater mistake than that of looking superciliously upon the practical applications of science. The life and soul of science is its practical application; and just as the great advances in mathematics have been made through the desire of discovering the solution of problems which were of a highly practical kind in mathematical science, so in physical science many of the greatest advances that have been made from the beginning of the world to the present time have been made in earnest desire to turn the knowledge of the properties of matter to some purpose useful to mankind.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Lord Kelvin argues that science's true value lies in its practical use, and progress in math and physics often comes from solving real-world problems.
- In plain terms
- Science is best when it solves useful problems for people.
- What can you take from it?
- Focus on applying knowledge to benefit mankind.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you balance pure research with applied work?
- What practical problem drives your learning?
Another view
Some scientific advances come from pure curiosity without immediate practical goals.
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