Quote by Richard Dawkins, Unweaving the R
It is possible to enjoy the Mozart concerto without being able to play the clarinet. In fact, you can learn to be an expert connoisseur of music without being able to play a note on any instrument. Of course, music would come to a halt if nobody ever learned to play it. But if everybody grew up thinking that music was synonymous with playing it, think how relatively impoverished many lives would be. Couldn't we learn to think of science in the same way?
Summary
This quote suggests that one can appreciate and enjoy music, like a Mozart concerto, without necessarily being able to play an instrument. Similarly, it proposes that individuals can become knowledgeable and passionate about scientific discoveries without needing to actively practice science. By highlighting the importance of understanding music beyond its performance aspect, the quote prompts the idea that science should also be viewed more broadly, encouraging a greater appreciation and understanding of its concepts, theories, and impact, even if one is not actively engaged in scientific research or experiments.