Contrary Quote by Enrico Fermi
“There's two possible outcomes: if the result confirms the hypothesis, then you've made a discovery. If the result is contrary to the hypothesis, then you've made a discovery.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on scientific method, 1950s
Both confirming and refuting results advance knowledge, turning any outcome into a discovery.
In simple terms: Any result teaches something new.
Key Takeaway
Embrace all data as progress.
Themes
science
discovery
methodology
Mood
curious
analytical
Type
educational
inspirational
When to use this quote
- lab research
- field experiments
- data analysis
Key Concepts
hypothesis testing
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you handle unexpected data?
- What steps turn refutation into insight?
A Different Perspective
If results are ambiguous, they may not clearly inform theory.
![“[on what characteristics Nobel prize winning physicists had in common] I cannot think of a single one, not even intelligence.” quote by Enrico Fermi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/415/enrico-fermi-22764_characteristics_on-what-characteristics-nobel-prize-winn_88185.jpg)
