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I have argued flying saucers with lots of people. I was…

“I have argued flying saucers with lots of people. I was interested in possible. They do not appreciate that the problem is not to demonstrate whether it's possible or not but whether it's going on or not.” quote by Richard P. Feynman
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“I have argued flying saucers with lots of people. I was interested in possible. They do not appreciate that the problem is not to demonstrate whether it's possible or not but whether it's going on or not.”

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.

The speaker emphasizes that proving existence is less important than determining reality of occurrence.

In simple terms: Focus on whether something is actually happening, not just if it could happen.

Key Takeaway

Investigate evidence before assuming possibility.

Themes

science skepticism inquiry

Mood

curious analytical

Type

philosophical scientific

When to use this quote

  • research projects
  • policy decisions
  • technology development
  • public discourse

Key Concepts

epistemology empiricism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What evidence would convince you something is occurring?
  • How do you separate speculation from fact?
A Different Perspective

It can be hard to obtain reliable data in controversial fields.

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