Skip to content

And although I have seen nothing but black crows in my…

“And although I have seen nothing but black crows in my life, it doesn't mean that there's no such thing as a white crow. Both for a philosopher and for a scientist it can be important not to reject the possibility of finding a white crow. You might almost say that hunting for 'the white crow' is…” quote by Jostein Gaarder
Download Open image
“And although I have seen nothing but black crows in my life, it doesn't mean that there's no such thing as a white crow. Both for a philosopher and for a scientist it can be important not to reject the possibility of finding a white crow. You might almost say that hunting for 'the white crow' is science's principal task.”

Jostein Gaarder

About This Quote

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

Even unlikely possibilities (white crow) should not be dismissed; science seeks them.

In simple terms: Embrace unlikely possibilities in inquiry.

Key Takeaway

Stay open to rare findings.

Themes

science philosophy possibility

Mood

inquisitive analytical

Type

philosophical scientific

When to use this quote

  • research
  • theoretical work
  • creative thinking

Key Concepts

open‑mindedness exploration

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is it appropriate to pursue rare hypotheses?
  • How to balance curiosity with practicality?
A Different Perspective

Focusing on rare cases may overlook common solutions.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Jostein Gaarder

Explore all 305 Jostein Gaarder quotes

More Black quotes

Browse all 11,655 Black quotes