--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is really quite amazing by what…" description: "\"It is really quite amazing by what margins competent but conservative scientists and engineers can miss the mark, when they start with the preconceived..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7a7/arthur-c-clarke-640_competent_it-is-really-quite-amazing-by-what-margi_138895.jpg" --- # It is really quite amazing by what margins competent but… ![“It is really quite amazing by what margins competent but conservative scientists and engineers can miss the mark, when they start with the preconceived idea that what they are investigating is impossible.” quote by Arthur C. Clarke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7a7/arthur-c-clarke-640_competent_it-is-really-quite-amazing-by-what-margi_138895.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7a7/arthur-c-clarke-640_competent_it-is-really-quite-amazing-by-what-margi_138895.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7a7/arthur-c-clarke-640_competent_it-is-really-quite-amazing-by-what-margi_138895.jpg) > “It is really quite amazing by what margins competent but conservative scientists and engineers can miss the mark, when they start with the preconceived idea that what they are investigating is impossible.” [Arthur C. Clarke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arthur-c-clarke/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Conservative scientists may miss breakthroughs when they assume a problem is impossible from the start. **In simple terms:** Assuming impossibility blocks scientific progress. Key Takeaway Challenge assumptions to enable discovery. Themes science conservatism innovation mindset failure Mood inquisitive critical Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - research labs - engineering projects - academic curricula Key Concepts philosophy of science creative thinking Questions to Reflect On - What assumptions limit your work? - How can you foster a more open mindset? A Different Perspective Risk‑averse cultures can stifle creativity. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Conservative](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conservative/) [Engineers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/engineers/) [Ideas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ideas/) [Impossibility](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/impossibility/) [Preconceived ideas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/preconceived-ideas/) [Science](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/science/) [Scientist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/scientist/) [Scientists](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/scientists/) [Scientists and engineers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/scientists-and-engineers/) ## Related quotes > [I want to create the airplane that flies in the rarified atmosphere of Mars. 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