There is certainly some chill and arid knowledge to be found upon the summits of formal and laborious science; but it is all round about you, and for the trouble of looking, that you will acquire the warm and palpitating facts of life.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Real understanding comes from observing life directly rather than just studying formal science.
- In plain terms
- Science is dry, but life's true facts are all around you if you look.
- What can you take from it?
- Observe life directly to find its true meaning.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Where do you find truth?
- Is formal education enough?
Another view
Formal science provides rigorous knowledge that casual observation lacks.
More from Robert Louis Stevenson
Perpetual devotion to what a man calls his business, is only to be sustained by perpetual neglect of many other things.
Permalink to quote #36 There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy.
Permalink to quote #38 Books are good enough in their own way, but they are a mighty bloodless substitute for life.
Permalink to quote #35
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