In scientific thought we adopt the simplest theory which will explain all the facts under consideration and enable us to predict new facts of the same kind. The catch in this criterion lies in the world 'simplest.' It is really an aesthetic canon such as we find implicit in our criticisms of poetry or painting. The layman finds such a law as dxdt K(d2xdy2) much less simple than 'it oozes,' of which it is the mathematical statement. The physicist reverses this judgment, and his statement is certainly the more fruitful of the two, so far as prediction is concerned. It is, however, a statement about something very unfamiliar to the plain man, namely, the rate of change of a rate of change.
More Quotes from John Burdon Sanderson Haldane:
A time will however come (as I believe) when physiology will invade and destroy mathematical physics, as the latter has destroyed geometry.John Burdon Sanderson Haldane
So many new ideas are at first strange and horrible though ultimately valuable that a very heavy responsibility rests upon those who would prevent their dissemination.
John Burdon Sanderson Haldane
I have come to the conclusion that my subjective account of my motivation is largely mythical on almost all occasions. I don't know why I do things.
John Burdon Sanderson Haldane
Readers Who Like This Quotation Also Like:
Based on Topics: Change Quotes, Drawing & Painting Quotes, Facts Quotes, Judgment Quotes, Law & Regulation Quotes, Literature Quotes, Man Quotes, Poetry Quotes, Predictions Quotes, World QuotesBased on Keywords: canon, criticisms, layman, oozes, reverses
Probably one of the most private things in the world is an egg until it is broken.
M. F. K. Fisher
It would make me a lot happier if I could meet up again next year with as many friends as possible from all over the world who I've met during my career. That's where the great opportunity lies, for me personally, in our role as World Cup host.
Franz Beckenbauer
Use not big words for naught.
L. M. Heroux