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The value of a principle is the number of things it will…

“The value of a principle is the number of things it will explain.” quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
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“The value of a principle is the number of things it will explain.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

About This Quote

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

A principle's worth is measured by its explanatory power across many phenomena.

In simple terms: Explanatory breadth defines value.

Key Takeaway

More explanations, higher value.

Themes

philosophy epistemology logic science education

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

aphoristic reflective

When to use this quote

  • teaching concepts
  • forming policies
  • solving problems
  • research design

Key Concepts

principle explanatory power utility

Practical Applications

  • framework development
  • policy analysis

Questions to Reflect On

  • What makes a principle useful?
  • How do we test a principle's explanatory scope?
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