Quote by Stephen Jay Gould

Goethe died in 1832. As you know, Goethe was very active in science. In fact, he did some very good scientific work in plant morphology and mineralogy. But he was quite bitter at the way in which many scientists refused to grant him a hearing because he was a poet and therefore, they felt, he couldn't be serious.

Goethe died in 1832. As you know, Goethe was very active in

Summary

This quote highlights the frustration that Goethe, a renowned poet and accomplished scientist, experienced during his lifetime. Despite his contributions to fields like plant morphology and mineralogy, he faced resistance from certain scientists who dismissed him solely based on his profession as a poet. The quote suggests that Goethe faced prejudice in the scientific community, where his abilities and intellectual pursuits were devalued due to his artistic background. It underscores the rigid divisions and biases that existed between different disciplines during that time, reflecting the challenges faced by individuals who straddled multiple domains of expertise.

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By Stephen Jay Gould

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