Predict Quote by Henri Poincare
“If that enabled us to predict the succeeding situation with the same approximation, that is all we require, and we should say that the phenomenon had been predicted, that it is governed by the laws.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Science and Method, Henri Poincaré, 1908
If a model predicts future states with similar accuracy, it is sufficient to claim the phenomenon is governed by laws.
In simple terms: Accurate approximations justify believing in underlying laws.
Key Takeaway
Accept useful approximations, not perfection.
Themes
science
prediction
philosophy
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
scientific
When to use this quote
- physics research
- climate forecasting
- economic modeling
- engineering design
- policy planning
Key Concepts
determinism
modeling
approximation
Questions to Reflect On
- When is an approximation too crude?
- What risks arise from over‑reliance on models?
A Different Perspective
Approximations can miss rare events, leading to false confidence.
