Science is a first-rate piece of furniture for a man's upper chamber, if he has common sense on the ground floor.

Summary

This quote implies that science is a valuable asset for an individual's intellect, provided they have a foundation of common sense. It suggests that while science can provide knowledge and understanding, it is essential to have basic reasoning and practicality to fully benefit from it. In other words, common sense serves as a necessary filter or groundwork for effectively integrating scientific knowledge and making reasonable judgments. Without common sense, one's interpretation and use of scientific information may lack practicality or rationality.