But science sets out confidently on the endeavor finally to know the thing in itself, and even though we realize that this ideal goal can never be completely reached, still we struggle on towards it untiringly. And we know that at every step of the way each effort will be richly rewarded.
Meaning
Planck accepted that complete knowledge of reality may never be reached, yet argued the effort is still worthwhile because each step brings reward. Think of learning a language or a craft: perfection is out of reach, but every practice session leaves you better. Judge the day by progress made.
Source: Where Is Science Going? (1932)
Best Science Quotes with Meaning
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About the author
Max Planck (1858–1947) was a German theoretical physicist who originated quantum theory with his introduction of the quantum of action. He received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1918.
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