[In natural history,] great discovery often requires a map to a hidden mine filled with gems then easily gathered by conventional tools, not a shiny new space-age machine for penetrating previously inaccessible worlds.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Significant discoveries often rely on accessible pathways to known resources rather than complex, unproven technologies.
- In plain terms
- Finding great things usually needs a clear path to what's there, not a fancy new machine.
- What can you take from it?
- Focus on practical routes to discovery before chasing advanced tools.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is the best tool always the simplest one?
- When does complexity hinder progress?
Another view
Sometimes breakthroughs do require pushing past conventional limits with new tech.
More from Stephen Jay Gould
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