Quote by Thomas Huxley
The great tragedy of science - the slaying of a beautiful hypothesis by an ugly fact.
Summary
This quote, attributed to British biologist Thomas Huxley, reflects the poignant reality in scientific pursuit. It emphasizes the potential downfall of an elegant and captivating hypothesis when confronted by stark, inconvenient facts. It underscores how scientific progress relies on the willingness to discard cherished ideas in light of empirical evidence that contradicts them. While this may be disheartening, it is an essential aspect of scientific integrity and the relentless pursuit of truth.