Peter D. Mitchell

The final outcome cannot be known, either to the originator of a new theory, or to his colleagues and critics, who are bent on falsifying it. Thus, the scientific innovator may feel all the more lonely and uncertain.

Meanwhile, the originator of a theory may have a very lonely time, especially if his colleagues find his views of nature unfamiliar, and difficult to appreciate.

Moreover, in the experimental sciences, the scientific fraternity must test a new theory to destruction, if possible.

Reason can be used only when looking critically back.