Hubble Constant Quotes (2 quotes)
Im very intense in my work. At any given moment, I think I know the answer to some problem, and that Im right. Since science is the only self-correcting human institution I know of, you should not be frightened to take an extreme stand, if that causes the stand to be examined more thoroughly than it might be if you are circumspect. Ive always been positive about the value of the Hubble constant, knowing full well that it probably isnt solved.
As quoted in John Noble Wilford, 'Sizing up the Cosmos: An Astronomers Quest', New York Times (12 Mar 1991), C10.
[On research] Its got to be fun. I don't think anybody should tell you that hes slogged his way through 25 years on a problem and there's only one reward at the end, and that's the value of the Hubble constant. Thats a bunch of hooey. The reward is learning all the wonderful properties of the things that dont work.
As quoted in Obituary, 'Allan Sandage, 84, Astronomer, Dies; Charted Cosmoss Age and Expansion', New York Times (17 Nov 2010), B19.
In science it often happens that scientists say, 'You know that's a really good argument; my position is mistaken,' and then they would actually change their minds and you never hear that old view from them again. They really do it. It doesn't happen as often as it should, because scientists are human and change is sometimes painful. But it happens every day. I cannot recall the last time something like that happened in politics or religion.
(1987) -- 
