A Midsummer's Equation Quotes

“It didn’t bother me. It excited my curiosity. And I believe there is no greater sin than to leave one’s curiosity unsatisfied.”
― Keigo Higashino, A Midsummer's Equation

“There are some mysteries in this world," Yukawa said suddenly, "that cannot be unraveled with modern science. However, as science develops, we will one day be able to understand them. The question is, is there a limit to what science can know? If so, what creates that limit?"

Kyohei looked at Yukawa. He couldn't figure out why the professor was telling him this, except he had a feeling it was very important.

Yukawa pointed a finger at Kyohei's forehead. "People do." he said. "People's brains, to be more precise. For example, in mathematics, when somebody discovers a new theorem, they may have other mathematicians verify it to see if it's correct. The problem is, the theorems getting discovered are becoming more and more complex. That limits the number of mathematicians who can properly verify them. What happens when someone comes up with a theorem so hard to understand that there isn't anyone else who can understand it? In order for that theorem to be accepted as fact, they have to wait until another genius comes along. That's the limit the human brain imposes on the progress of scientific knowledge. You understand?"

Kyohei nodded, still having no idea where he was going with this.

"Every problem has a solution," Yukawa said, staring straight at Kyohei through his glasses. "But there's no guarantee that the solution will be found immediately. The same holds true in our lives. We encounter several problems to which the solutions are not immediately apparent in life. There is value to be had in worrying about those problems when you get to them. But never feel rushed. Often, in order to find the answer, you need time to grow first. That's why we apply ourselves, and learn as we go."

Kyohei chewed on that for a moment, then his mouth opened a little and he looked up with sudden understanding.

"You have questions now, I know, and until you find your answers, I'll be working on those questions too, and worrying with you. So don't forget, you're never alone.”
― Keigo Higashino, A Midsummer's Equation

“The world is full of mysteries. And the joy of uncovering even the slightest mystery is incomparable to any other joy you will ever know.”
― Keigo Higashino, A Midsummer's Equation

“Only by respecting the other side’s work and way of thinking can you open a path for compromise.”
― Keigo Higashino, A Midsummer's Equation

“I want you to value life. Yours and others. More than you ever have before.”
― Keigo Higashino, A Midsummer's Equation

“It excited my curiosity. And I believe there is no greater sin than to leave one's curiosity unsatisfied. Curiosity is a fuel that powers the engine of human advancement.”
― Keigo Higashino, A Midsummer's Equation

“If there's something you're not going to be able to do, you should just be honest and admit it.”
― Keigo Higashino, A Midsummer's Equation

“It’s okay if you don’t like science,” he said, “but that doesn’t mean you can just ignore things you don’t understand. It’ll come back to haunt you.”
― Keigo Higashino, A Midsummer's Equation

“Grownups were always breaking promises as if it didn't matter at all.”
― Keigo Higashino, A Midsummer's Equation

“Do you know what accounts for most research delays? Interruptions that have nothing to do with the research whatsoever.”
― Keigo Higashino, A Midsummer's Equation

“If they could redirect the energy they'd spent on trying to find fault with the other side and put it toward finding a new direction that worked for everyone, they could all benefit.”
― Keigo Higashino, A Midsummer's Equation

“You may be an expert in environmental protection policy, but when it comes to science, you're an amateur. How much do you actually know about undersea resource development? If you truly want to come up with a solution that allows both, you'll need to have the same amount of knowledge and experience with both. It's arrogant to think that knowing only one is sufficient. Only by respecting the other side's work and way of thinking can you open a path for compromise.”
― Keigo Higashino, A Midsummer's Equation

“The DESMEC people just wanted to have on record the fact that they held a hearing, and the opposition was just whining. That's not a debate. It's a waste of time."

"You think asking that the environment be protected is whining?"

"It is when you expect them to adopt some mythical flawless plan offering perfect environmental protection. Nothing's perfect in this world," Yukawa said, his pace quickening. Narumi had to trot to keep up.

"We're not asking them to do anything. We're asking them to not destroy the environment. It's not like they have to go out of their way to help. They just have to avoid doing anything stupid."

"And who decides what's stupid? You?”
― Keigo Higashino, A Midsummer's Equation

“Curiosity is the fuel that powers the engine of human advancement.”
― Keigo Higashino, A Midsummer's Equation

“provided”
― Keigo Higashino, A Midsummer's Equation

“The author and publisher”
― Keigo Higashino, A Midsummer's Equation

“This is what I've been protecting," she thought. "Just like it's been protecting me”
― Keigo Higashino, A Midsummer's Equation

“Scientists don't make decisions based on potential profit. What a scientist must consider foremost is which of the many available paths will lead to the greatest benefit for humanity. Even if said path, doesn't result in any personal gain, it's still the one to pick. Of course, ideally, we hope that the most beneficial path also results in personal gain.”
― Keigo Higashino, A Midsummer's Equation

“What we have here is a very basic problem. The only way to make use of underground resources is to mine them, and if you mine them, they're going to damage the local flora and fauna. That's as true under the water as it is on land, but it hasn't stopped us - that is, mankind - from doing it over and over again. That's a fact. You just need to make a choice.”
― Keigo Higashino, A Midsummer's Equation