Arise Quote by Albert Einstein
“The theoretical idea ... does not arise apart from and independent of experience; nor can it be derived from experience by a purely logical procedure. It is produced by a creative act. Once a theoretical idea has been acquired, one does well to hold fast to it until it leads to an untenable conclusion.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Theoretical Physics, 1920
Ideas arise from creative imagination, not just logical deduction; once formed, they should be pursued until they prove untenable.
In simple terms: Ideas need imagination, not just logic.
Key Takeaway
Follow ideas until they fail.
Themes
creativity
logic
science
Mood
curious
analytical
Type
scientific
philosophical
When to use this quote
- research
- problem solving
- innovation
Key Concepts
philosophy of science
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you abandon a stubborn idea?
- How do you balance imagination with evidence?
A Different Perspective
Creative ideas may lack empirical support initially.
![“However we select from nature a complex [of phenomena] using the criterion of simplicity, in no case will its theoretical treatment turn out to be forever appropriate (sufficient)… I do not doubt that the day will come when [general relativity], too, will have to yield to another one, for reasons…” quote by Albert Einstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/432/albert-einstein-33_appropriate_however-we-select-from-nature-a-complex_2419341.jpg)
![“The longing to behold this pre-established harmony [of phenomena and theoretical principles] is the source of the inexhaustible patience and perseverance with which Planck has devoted himself ... The state of mind which enables a man to do work of this kind is akin to that of the religious…” quote by Albert Einstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/eb8/albert-einstein-33_effort_the-longing-to-behold-this-pre-establish_1850774.jpg)
