Quotation
Quote by Georg Forster
Each eradication of one of these is a gain to science; and each vulgar opinion, proved to be erroneous, is an approximation to truth.
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Understanding this quote
The quote says that removing a mistaken idea advances science. When an ordinary or widely held opinion is shown to be wrong, that discovery brings understanding closer to truth. Even a negative result therefore has value: it clears away error and narrows the distance between what people believe and what is true.
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About this quotation
- Source
- Wikisource transcription of A Voyage Round the World (1777), Book I, Chapter II
- Format
- Official Statement
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Topics
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