May 12, 2014

NOT ALL OR NONE OF YOU WILL COMPLETELY OR NOT ALL AGREE WITH THIS, ALWAYS OR NEVER


"Some theories are good for nothing except to be argued about."

Georg C. Lichtenberg (1742-1799) German scientist/satirist/anglophile

"Even for practical purposes theory generally turns out the most important thing in the end."

Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894) American author/poet

If you've followed BW for any time at all you might have noticed seemingly contradictory quotes, possibly including these two.

However look carefully and you often see the "back doors" authors leave themselves so as not to appear too all inclusive.

For example, Lichtenberg qualified what would appear to be a condemnation of theory by saying only "some" are good for nothing. And Holmes softened his adding "generally." 

Little in life is "always" or "never", and for those things that are, not "everyone" or "no one" will feel that way, regardless.

You are right to question absolutes.

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