The quote "The most valuable knowledge in the world is the knowledge of methods" is indeed attributed to both Charles Robert Darwin and René Descartes, which can make it tricky to verify its origin.
:For Charles Robert Darwin
No exact matches of the quote are found in any of Darwin's major published works, like "On the Origin of Species" or "The Descent of Man."
Some sources attribute the quote to Darwin's notebooks or letters, but lack specific citations or verifiable references.
It's possible the quote might be a paraphrase or summary of Darwin's ideas on scientific methodology, which emphasized observation, experimentation, and inference. However, without a clear source, it's difficult to definitively confirm Darwin as the author.
For René Descartes:
The quote bears some resemblance to Descartes' emphasis on methodical doubt and the scientific method in his philosophical works like "Discourse on the Method" and "Meditations."
However, no exact matches of the quote are found in these works either.
Similar to Darwin, some sources might attribute the quote to Descartes' unpublished writings or informal remarks, but again, lack of specific references makes it hard to verify.
Additional Considerations:
The quote itself aligns with both Darwin and Descartes' focus on scientific inquiry and the importance of methodology in acquiring knowledge.
It's possible the quote originated from a secondary source, perhaps a biographer or commentator, referencing both Darwin and Descartes' ideas on methodology and attributing it to one or the other without proper attribution.
Conclusion:
While the exact origin of the quote remains unclear, its connection to both Charles Robert Darwin and René Descartes' emphasis on scientific methodology seems plausible. However, without a definitive source or reference, attributing it definitively to either remains challenging.
No comments yet, come on and post~