My first feeling about the paper and the attitude is that it is absurd.

The quote by Arthur Compton, "My first feeling about the paper and the attitude is that it is absurd," conveys a strong initial reaction of disbelief or rejection toward a particular paper and the attitude it represents. Compton’s use of the word absurd suggests that he found the ideas or approach presented in the paper to be unreasonable or lacking in logic from the outset. This reflects a critical and skeptical mindset when evaluating new information or theories.

By focusing on his first feeling, Compton emphasizes the importance of intuition and immediate judgment in scientific discourse. While initial reactions can sometimes be misleading, they often play a crucial role in prompting deeper scrutiny and analysis. His statement reveals a readiness to challenge and question ideas that do not align with his understanding or expectations.

The mention of both the paper and the attitude implies that Compton’s objection was not just to the content but also to the underlying perspective or approach taken by the authors. This highlights how scientific evaluation involves assessing both the evidence presented and the mindset or assumptions behind it.

This quote originates from Arthur Compton, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist known for his work on X-rays and quantum mechanics. His comment reflects the rigorous skepticism that is fundamental to the scientific method, where new ideas must withstand critical examination before being accepted.