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Quote by Bryan Appleyard

“Scientists themselves are of surprisingly little help. They find it difficult to talk of what they do because they tend to assume detailed knowledge is required for generalities to be understood. They find it hard to grasp the concept of the meaning of their work, assuming this to be a debate that takes place at a lower level than the specialized discussions with their colleagues. When they do generalize, - or "popularize" as it is usually called with a noticeable degree of contempt - they tend to reveal a startling philosophical naiveté.”

Quote by Bryan Appleyard

Work

Understanding the Present: An Alternative History of Science

Comprehensive and thought-provoking, the book delves into the evolution of scientific thought and discovery, presenting a narrative that diverges from the conventional historical accounts. It examines how scientific advancements have shaped our understanding of the world and the implications of these changes on culture, technology, and human progress. more

Author

Bryan Appleyard
Bryan Appleyard

Bryan Appleyard, born on August 24, 1951, is a British journalist whose career spans across various fields, including politics, technology, and cultural commentary. Known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective, Appleyard has worked for several prominent media outlets, such as The Economist and The Observer. His writing covers a wide range of topics, from philosophy to politics, and has had a profound impact on contemporary society. more

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“(Five) thinkers since Galileo, each informing his successor of what discoveries his own lifetime had seen achieved, might have passed the torch of science into our hands as we sit here in this room. Indeed, for the matter of that, an audience much smaller than the present one, an audience of some 5 or 6 score people, if each person in it could speak for his own generation, would carry us away to the black unknown of the human species, to days without a document or monument to tell their tale.”