The chance is high that the truth lies in the fashionable direction. But, on the off chance that it is in another direction - a direction obvious from an unfashionable view of field theory - who will find it? Only someone who has sacrificed himself by teaching himself quantum electrodynamics from a peculiar and unfashionable point of view; one that he may have to invent for himself.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Truth often follows popular opinion, but breakthroughs come from independent, unfashionable thinking.
- In plain terms
- Following the crowd rarely leads to new discoveries; do your own work.
- What can you take from it?
- Be willing to learn difficult, unpopular topics to find truth.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What unfashionable idea do you find interesting?
- How do you handle going against the grain?
Another view
Popular consensus is sometimes correct for practical purposes.
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