Skip to content

It is sometimes easier to circumvent prevailing…

“It is sometimes easier to circumvent prevailing difficulties [in science] rather than to attack them.” quote by Jacobus Henricus van 't Hoff
Download Open image
“It is sometimes easier to circumvent prevailing difficulties [in science] rather than to attack them.”

Jacobus Henricus van 't Hoff

About This Quote

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

In science, it can be more effective to work around obstacles than to confront them directly, using indirect methods to achieve progress.

In simple terms: Circumventing problems can be easier than attacking them.

Key Takeaway

Seek clever work‑arounds.

Themes

science problem solving innovation strategy methodology

Mood

analytical practical

Type

scientific strategic

When to use this quote

  • research design
  • laboratory experiments
  • engineering challenges
  • policy implementation

Key Concepts

indirect approaches creative problem solving heuristics

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is it better to confront versus circumvent?
  • What risks arise from avoidance?
A Different Perspective

May overlook root causes needing direct address.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Jacobus Henricus van 't Hoff

Explore all 3 Jacobus Henricus van 't Hoff quotes

More Adversity quotes

Browse all 5,001 Adversity quotes