Distinguished Quote by Arthur C. Clarke
“If an elderly but distinguished scientist says that something is possible, he is almost certainly right; but if he says that it is impossible, he is very probably wrong.”
About This Quote
Source Quote: Unknown source (attributed to Clarke)
Experienced scientists are reliable about possibilities, but their doubts about impossibility are often wrong.
In simple terms: Experts may misjudge impossibility.
Key Takeaway
Trust expert optimism, question pessimism.
Themes
science
expertise
possibility
Mood
skeptical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- research funding
- technology forecasts
- policy decisions
Key Concepts
philosophy
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you challenge an expert’s claim of impossibility?
- How to balance optimism and realism?
A Different Perspective
Even experts can be biased by current knowledge limits.
