No data is preferable to poor data. - Robert L. Forward

They used their intelligence to control things around them, instead of letting nature and the strong-muscled have their way.

The Leader of the Combined Clans, although nominally a devout worshiper of the God Bright, was willing to compartmentalize her mind and look at the pictures without being bothered by the religious overtones.

You are lucky. Very few theoretical scientists ever see their mathematical equations turned into working hardware in their lifetime.