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272 Modern Spatiotemporal Geostatistics — Chapter 13

vitality of the field in the new century. I would like, therefore, to conclude this
book by reiterating the view that the current situation in geostatistics requires
that we take a few steps along the path of creativity and innovation. We should
not be afraid to take these steps, even if this path is strewn with the bones
of those consumed by the vultures of conservatism, mediocrity, and myopia.
After all, life is an effort that deserves a better cause!
As far as BME is concerned, it is not conducive to its real strength that it
should occupy the field of modern geostatistics alone. The intellectual pressure
which creative criticism exerts will force BME proponents to examine their
positions for their weaknesses and complacencies. Indeed, some of the views
that have been presented in this book may well be modified by others as time
progresses. The words of a 19th century English philosopher and economist
seem most appropriate at this point:
Lord, enlighten our critics, sharpen their wits, give acuteness to
their perceptions and consecutiveness and clearness to their rea-
soning powers. We are in danger from their folly, not from their
wisdom: their weakness is what fills us with apprehension, not
their strength. John Stuart Mill
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