"It is funny that men who are supposed to be scientific cannot get themselves to realise the basic principle of physics, that action and reaction are equal and opposite, that when you persecute people you always rouse them to be strong and stronger"

This quote by Gertrude Stein is a commentary on the hypocrisy of those who declare to be scientific, yet stop working to acknowledge the essential laws of physics. She is mentioning that when individuals are persecuted, they end up being stronger and more durable. This is a direct result of the law of action and reaction, which specifies that for every single action, there is an equal and opposite response. Simply put, when individuals are oppressed, they will fight back and become more powerful. Stein is recommending that those who are expected to be clinical must recognize this standard principle and comprehend that when individuals are persecuted, they will become stronger. This quote is a pointer that injustice and persecution will just result in more strength and durability in those who are oppressed.