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Explanation Quote by Douglas Adams

“The impossible often has a kind of integrity to it which the merely improbable lacks. How often have you been presented with an apparently rational explanation of something that works in all respects other than one, which is just that it is hopelessly improbable? Your instinct is to say, 'Yes, but…” quote by Douglas Adams
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“The impossible often has a kind of integrity to it which the merely improbable lacks. How often have you been presented with an apparently rational explanation of something that works in all respects other than one, which is just that it is hopelessly improbable? Your instinct is to say, 'Yes, but he or she simply wouldn't do that.”

Douglas Adams

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, 1979

Points out that impossibility carries a certain integrity that mere improbability lacks.

In simple terms: Impossibility has integrity, improbability does not

Key Takeaway

Respect the impossible, question the improbable

Themes

philosophy logic integrity

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • problem solving
  • innovation
  • debate

Key Concepts

ethics critical thinking science

Questions to Reflect On

  • When have you accepted impossibility?
  • How do you test the limits of plausibility?
A Different Perspective

Impossibility may be used to avoid effort.

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