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About this quote

What does it mean?
Feynman compares physics to sex, valuing intrinsic curiosity over practical results.
In plain terms
We study physics for curiosity, not just practical results.
What can you take from it?
Do science for curiosity, not just utility.

Where it applies

  • academic research
  • education
  • career choices

Putting it to work

  • value curiosity
  • encourage exploration
  • reduce pressure

Questions to consider

  • What do you study out of curiosity?
  • How do you balance utility and wonder?

Another view

Practical results often fund and justify research.

More from Richard Feynman

  1. People say to me, 'Are you looking for the ultimate laws of physics?' No, I'm not... If it turns out there is a simple ultimate law which explains everything, …

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  2. Religion is a culture of faith; science is a culture of doubt.

    Permalink to quote #74
  3. Nature uses only the longest threads to weave her patterns, so each small piece of her fabric reveals the organization of the entire tapestry.

    Permalink to quote #71

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