Charles Babbage Quotes
There are few circumstances which so strongly distinguish the philosopher, as the calmness with which he can reply to criticisms he may think undeservedly severe.
Babbage, Charles. Reflections on the Decline of Science in England, and on Some of Its Causes. B. Fellowes, 1830, p. x.
He was referring to the period of the military and strongman takeovers of the Arab countries in the 2nd half of the 20th century. Intellectuals were never allowed to play any significant role.
This quotation illustrates a major difference between scientists and politicians. When a politician changes a major position, he/she tends to feel obligated to explain or apologize as if he/she might have done something wrong. An explanation is certainly required. This contrasts with the scientist who has a change of mind. He/she just states it and moves on. If data changes and more is learned all scientists expect views to change, and the progress of science can be measured by the number of these changes. For a similar view from the political world, consider {619441} .
Charles Babbage KH FRS was an English polymath. A mathematician, philosopher, inventor and mechanical engineer, Babbage originated the concept of a digital programmable computer.
