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Meaning
The quote says that scientific efforts can still be valuable even if they do not produce the most obvious expected result. It suggests the Human Genome Project and similar work may still be worthwhile because of their broader benefits. The value of the effort is presented as larger than a single outcome like curing a disease.
When It Was Said
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Who It Was Said To
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Historical Context
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Source
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Original Language & Translation
Originally said in English.
Did They Really Say It?
No source found on Wikiquote; the quote is listed as attributed to Sam Kean.
Did You Know?
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About Sam Kean
American writer
Sam Kean is an American writer known for books that tell the story of scientific discoveries in a narrative style. He was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and lives in Washington, D.C. He has written for The New York Times Magazine, Mental Floss, Slate, Psychology Today, and The New Scientist. He has also published eight books, and they have been reviewed positively by The Wall Street Journal, Library Journal, and The New York Times.
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Reflections: more sayings
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Books by Sam Kean
The Disappearing Spoon
2019
The violinist's thumb
2012
Caesar's Last Breath
2017
The Bastard Brigade
2019
The Icepick Surgeon
2021