Men love to wonder, and that is the seed of our science.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
(Society & Solitude)
The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not “Eureka!” (I found it!) but “That’s funny….”
~ Isaac Asimov
(The Stuff of Thought: Language As a Window into Human Nature)
Hi,
I love the phase “that’s funny” I can actually picture this happening. 🙂
Me, too! I can almost see the scientist scratching her head. 🙂
Barbara,
Not only is it great to read the quotes you find but always to view the art work you research and share. I am always amazed by the works of art, many I have never seen before.
I think “to wonder” is an amazing tool for all of us to discover more about the world around us…
I’m discovering so many works of art I’ve never seen before, too! The internet is such a marvelous tool for sharing. Thank you, Jeff… Here’s to keeping our sense of wonder!
The only response that came to mind when reading that last quote was, “That’s funny…” Wonder is a magnificent thing!
It certainly is! Transcendent, glorious wonder – a luscious fruit of human curiosity!
The artwork you share here immediately took me to a great memory: My mom had a similar piece hung over the kitchen sink that was there for us to enjoy as we washed and dried the dishes.
Oh what a sweet memory to cherish, Laurie – so many little things in the picture to take our thoughts to pleasant places…
The only thing missing in the picture is a turtle.
Time for me to look around for turtle art and quotes! 🙂
“That’s funny” – yes! When even a scientist is amazed, what an exciting event that is!
Love the illustrtion – wonderful 17th c. combination of naturalism, science and art.
I’m glad you enjoyed the illustration, Aubrey – I stumbled across it when I was looking for something else and just had to use it with these quotes. I love listening to scientists when they give talks, enthusiastically sharing the wondrous things they’re discovering.
Hurrah – I have made it to the new place.
Like your Asimov quote.
Thanks, Paul, and I’m happy you found your way over here. 🙂
Asimov’s quote really made my day.
Balthasar van der Ast sounds like a Dutch name. I know quite a few Dutch illustrators from the 16th through 19th centuries from past exhibitions at the Museum, but haven’t heard of this person. My favourite illustrator is Maria Sybilla Merriam who was born in 1649 and whose illustrations are still being used today. Do you know her?
Glad the Asimov quote made your day, Rosie…
I never heard of Maria Sibylla Merian before now. Took a peek and Wikimedia Commons has a few of her illustrations – thanks for the tip! Perhaps I will use some of the ones that don’t include spiders… 🙂
I’m going to have to pretend that you’ve a ‘like’ button here and put a virtual finger on it to click it! I do like the painting and your quotes… especially the Asimov one!
Thank you, Val! Wondering if I can have a ‘like’ button here – making note to ask Nate… I’m happy you enjoyed the Asimov quote, it makes me smile. 🙂