Science means simply the aggregate of all the recipes that are always successful. All the rest is literature

Science means simply the aggregate of all the recipes that are always successful. All the rest is literature

Paul Valéry, a French poet, essayist, and philosopher, once famously said, “Science means simply the aggregate of all the recipes that are always successful. All the rest is literature.” This quote encapsulates Valéry’s belief in the power and importance of science as a method of understanding the world around us. In this context, Valéry is emphasizing the practical and empirical nature of science, contrasting it with the more subjective and interpretive nature of literature.

For Valéry, science is a systematic and methodical approach to knowledge that relies on observation, experimentation, and reproducibility. It is a collection of proven methods and techniques that have been tested and validated through rigorous testing and analysis. In this sense, science is a reliable and trustworthy source of information that can be used to solve problems, make predictions, and improve our understanding of the natural world.

On the other hand, literature is a more subjective and creative form of expression that is open to interpretation and personal experience. While literature can be a powerful tool for exploring complex ideas and emotions, it does not always provide concrete answers or solutions to practical problems. Valéry’s distinction between science and literature highlights the different ways in which we can approach and understand the world around us.