Dangerous Quote by Dennis Lindley
“It is dangerous to attach probability zero to anything other than a logical impossibility.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Statistical Methods, Dennis Lindley, 1970
Assigning zero probability to non‑impossible events blocks learning and adaptation.
In simple terms: Zero probability blocks learning.
Key Takeaway
Avoid absolute certainty about uncertain events.
Themes
probability
uncertainty
learning
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
philosophical
practical
When to use this quote
- financial forecasting
- medical diagnosis
- policy making
- scientific research
- risk management
Key Concepts
Bayesian reasoning
risk assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you handle events you think are impossible?
- When is it appropriate to assign zero probability?
A Different Perspective
Zero probability may be useful for simplifying models, but can miss rare but critical outcomes.
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
