And freedom to explore and to debate Must be enjoyed, or science will stagnate.

From Sonnets From Later Life 1981 – 1993. 16 March 1992

Sonnet for Science

by Kenneth Boulding

Even great scientists have made mistakes, 

Which others – often pupils – have corrected; 

A science at large expects the unexpected, 

Unusual accidents and lucky breaks,

But what it cannot tolerate is fakes.

Lies and deceit, once they have been detected, 

Are not forgiven. Totally ejected

From the profession are the found-out rakes.

Another principle that must pervade

The realm of science is that change in views

Must never come from those who threats will use; 

Only the power of evidence must persuade.

And freedom to explore and to debate 

Must be enjoyed, or science will stagnate.