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It is a mortifying truth, and ought to teach the wisest of…

“It is a mortifying truth, and ought to teach the wisest of us humility, that many of the most valuable discoveries have been the result of chance rather than of contemplation, and of accident rather than of design.” quote by Charles Caleb Colton
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“It is a mortifying truth, and ought to teach the wisest of us humility, that many of the most valuable discoveries have been the result of chance rather than of contemplation, and of accident rather than of design.”

Charles Caleb Colton

About This Quote

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

Chance often drives the most valuable discoveries, teaching humility to even the wisest.

In simple terms: Lucky accidents lead to great finds.

Key Takeaway

Embrace uncertainty and stay humble.

Themes

humility serendipity knowledge learning

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • research labs
  • creative brainstorming
  • inventor workshops
  • scientific inquiry

Key Concepts

probability innovation philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance chance with planning?
  • What discoveries have you attributed to luck?
A Different Perspective

Randomness can’t replace systematic effort.

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