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How Quote by Arthur Conan Doyle

“Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth.” quote by Arthur Conan Doyle
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“Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth.”

Arthur Conan Doyle

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Hound of the Baskervilles, 1902

Eliminate impossible scenarios; the remaining unlikely explanation is likely true

In simple terms: Discard impossible, accept unlikely as truth

Key Takeaway

Consider all possibilities, then test the plausible

Themes

logic deduction problem solving

Mood

analytical inquisitive

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • detective work
  • scientific research
  • strategic planning

Key Concepts

critical thinking probability investigation

Questions to Reflect On

  • What assumptions make something seem impossible?
  • How do you verify the remaining hypothesis?
A Different Perspective

Rarely, the “impossible” may be misidentified

3.7 out of 5 (9 ratings)

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