When I find myself in the company of scientists, I feel like a shabby curate who has strayed by mistake into a room full of dukes.

Summary

This quote is an expression of the author's sense of inadequacy in the presence of scientists. They compare themselves to a low-ranking clergyman (curate) who finds themselves in a room full of people of high social status (dukes). The analogy highlights the stark difference in knowledge, expertise, and intellect between scientists and the author. It conveys a feeling of being outclassed and inferior, as if they do not belong or measure up to the level of intelligence and accomplishment exhibited by the scientists.

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