“To explain all nature is too difficult a task for any one man or even for any one age. ‘Tis much better to do a little with certainty & leave the rest for others that come after you.”
- January 4, 1643 – March 31, 1727
- Born in England (UK)
- Natural philosopher, mathematician, physicist, astronomer, theologian
- Proposed the laws of universal gravitation and motion, built the foundations of modern science, and systematized theories of natural philosophy and mathematics.
Quote
“To explain all nature is too difficult a task for any one man or even for any one age. ‘Tis much better to do a little with certainty & leave the rest for others that come after you.”
Explanation
In this quote, Isaac Newton acknowledges the vastness and complexity of nature, recognizing that the task of explaining everything about the natural world is far beyond the capability of any single individual or even a single era. Newton suggests that it is more productive to focus on solving specific problems with certainty rather than attempting to understand everything at once. This approach reflects a modesty in his own scientific ambitions, as well as a pragmatic understanding of the limitations of human knowledge. By advancing science incrementally, Newton set the stage for future generations to build upon his work.
Newton’s humility is evident in this quote, as he emphasizes that his discoveries, while groundbreaking, are not the final word on the mysteries of the universe. During the scientific revolution, many thinkers—including Galileo, Kepler, and Descartes—contributed pieces of the puzzle, but no one person could have solved the entire mystery of nature. This iterative approach to knowledge would become a cornerstone of the scientific method: solving smaller, manageable problems and leaving larger questions to future generations. Newton himself, despite his monumental contributions, believed that his work was a foundation on which others could continue to build.
Today, this perspective is incredibly relevant in science, technology, and other fields where the scope of knowledge is continually expanding. The idea of advancing knowledge in incremental steps resonates with modern scientific research, where specialized fields are developed over time. For example, while quantum mechanics and relativity were groundbreaking achievements, they opened up even deeper questions that continue to be explored by scientists today. Newton’s recognition that no one person could explain everything still applies, emphasizing the collective effort of the scientific community across generations.
