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About this quote

What does it mean?
Scientific theory is a constructed foothold in the chaos of living phenomena.
In plain terms
Science builds models to navigate life's chaos.
What can you take from it?
Use theory as a tool, not as absolute truth.

Where it applies

  • research development
  • complex problem solving

Putting it to work

  • maintain humility in scientific claims
  • continually test theories

Questions to consider

  • How do we balance theory as a foothold with its explanatory power?
  • When should we discard a theory?

Another view

The metaphor may undervalue the predictive power of robust theories.

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