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Without the hard little bits of marble which are called…

“Without the hard little bits of marble which are called 'facts' or 'data' one cannot compose a mosaic; what matters, however, are not so much the individual bits, but the successive patterns into which you arrange them, then break them up and rearrange them.” quote by Arthur Koestler
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“Without the hard little bits of marble which are called 'facts' or 'data' one cannot compose a mosaic; what matters, however, are not so much the individual bits, but the successive patterns into which you arrange them, then break them up and rearrange them.”

Arthur Koestler

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Data alone is insufficient; meaning emerges from arranging and re‑configuring information.

In simple terms: Patterns matter more than facts.

Key Takeaway

Seek connections, not just facts.

Themes

analysis creativity systems thinking

Mood

analytical creative

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • research
  • design
  • problem solving
  • education
  • artistic creation

Key Concepts

pattern recognition synthetic thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance detail with big‑picture patterns?
  • What methods help you reorganize information creatively?
A Different Perspective

Over‑emphasis on patterns can ignore critical details.

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