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About this quote

What does it mean?
Scientific progress often involves discarding old theories even if they once seemed true.
In plain terms
Old scientific ideas die out, but they can still help new discoveries grow.
What can you take from it?
Value past theories for their role in progress even if they are now outdated.

Where it applies

  • in research
  • during paradigm shifts
  • when studying history

Putting it to work

  • respect past work
  • expect obsolescence
  • iterate ideas

Questions to consider

  • What old idea paved the way for a current truth?
  • How do you handle being wrong?

Another view

Some dead ideas hinder progress by persisting too long.

More from Miguel de Unamuno

  1. Pantheism is said... to be merely atheism in disguise.

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  2. La verdadera ciencia ensena, por encima de todo, a dudar y a ser ignorante.

    Permalink to quote #16

  3. Everything vital is, not only irrational, but anti-rational, and everything rational is anti-vital.

    Permalink to quote #13

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