I start 'The Code Book' with the story of Mary Queen of Scots and the Babington Plot, which was foiled when Mary’s enciphered messages fell into the hands of Elizabeth I’s codebreakers.

One scientist will interpret data one way, another in another way. One scientist may feel that an experiment is valid, another feels it's invalid. That's why scientists have discussions and put forward their opinions in conferences and papers.

People back down because the libel system is so utterly hostile to journalists, bloggers, scientists. The smart thing is not to fight.

Simon Singh Quotes