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Do not keep saying to yourself, if you can possibly avoid…

“Do not keep saying to yourself, if you can possibly avoid it, 'But how can it be like that?' because you will get 'down the drain,' into a blind alley from which nobody has yet escaped. Nobody knows how it can be like that.” quote by Richard P. Feynman
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“Do not keep saying to yourself, if you can possibly avoid it, 'But how can it be like that?' because you will get 'down the drain,' into a blind alley from which nobody has yet escaped. Nobody knows how it can be like that.”

Richard P. Feynman

About This Quote

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

Questioning impossible scenarios leads to mental traps that stall progress and creativity.

In simple terms: Avoid self‑imposed paradoxes.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and discard futile mental loops.

Themes

critical thinking mental models problem solving

Mood

reflective curious

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • research brainstorming
  • decision making
  • learning new concepts
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

cognitive bias paradox self‑sabotage

Questions to Reflect On

  • What mental patterns keep you stuck?
  • How can you reframe a paradox into a useful question?
A Different Perspective

If you ignore the question, you may miss a deeper insight.

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