"But perhaps the rest of us could have separate classes in science appreciation, the wonder of science, scientific ways of thinking, and the history of scientific ideas, rather than laboratory experience"
- Richard Dawkins
About this Quote
This quote by Richard Dawkins recommends that rather of concentrating on laboratory experience, science classes must concentrate on teaching trainees to appreciate science, to be amazed by it, to think scientifically, and to comprehend the history of scientific ideas. He believes that this would be more advantageous to trainees than simply teaching them how to do experiments in a laboratory. By teaching trainees to value science, they will be most likely to pursue it in the future. By teaching them to think scientifically, they will be much better equipped to resolve problems and make decisions. And by teaching them the history of scientific ideas, they will be able to understand the context of the present clinical understanding. All of these things will assist students to end up being more informed and engaged citizens.
"A lawyer without history or literature is a mechanic, a mere working mason; if he possesses some knowledge of these, he may venture to call himself an architect"
"We have our own history, our own language, our own culture. But our destiny is also tied up with the destinies of other people - history has made us all South Africans"
"It is humiliating to remain with our hands folded while others write history. It matters little who wins. To make a people great it is necessary to send them to battle even if you have to kick them in the pants. That is what I shall do"
