This quote emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying principles and theories before attempting to apply them in practical situations. The ‘science’ referred to here is the theoretical knowledge, the facts, the rules, the principles that govern a certain field or subject. The ‘art’ is the application of this knowledge, the practice, the execution. The idea is that one must first master the science, understand the why and how of things, before they can effectively practice the art, the application of this knowledge.

In essence, the quote is advocating for a solid foundation of knowledge as a prerequisite to effective execution. It’s about the relationship between theory and practice, knowledge and application, science and art. It’s about the importance of understanding the why before the how, the cause before the effect. It’s about the realization that true mastery comes from a deep understanding of the fundamentals.

This idea can be applied in various fields in today’s world. In business, for instance, understanding the science could mean studying market trends, consumer behavior, and business strategies before attempting to launch a startup. In technology, it could mean understanding the principles of coding and programming before attempting to create a software or an app. In personal development, it could mean understanding the principles of psychology and behavior before attempting to change one’s habits or lifestyle.

In all these cases, the idea is the same: mastery of the art is born from a deep understanding of the science. It’s about the realization that true proficiency, true expertise, comes not from blind practice, but from informed, knowledgeable practice. It’s about the importance of learning before doing, understanding before executing. It’s a reminder that the path to excellence is paved with knowledge and understanding.