---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Why did I do such-and-such a thing?' is…"
description: "\"“Why did I do such-and-such a thing?' is all very well. But what about 'How otherwise could I have done it?”\" — Idries Shah"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ddf/idries-shah-450_evolution_why-did-i-do-such-and-such-a-thing-is-al_193547.jpg"
---

#  Why did I do such-and-such a thing?' is all very well. But…

![“Why did I do such-and-such a thing?' is all very well. But what about 'How otherwise could I have done it?” quote by Idries Shah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ddf/idries-shah-450_evolution_why-did-i-do-such-and-such-a-thing-is-al_193547.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ddf/idries-shah-450_evolution_why-did-i-do-such-and-such-a-thing-is-al_193547.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ddf/idries-shah-450_evolution_why-did-i-do-such-and-such-a-thing-is-al_193547.jpg)

> ““Why did I do such-and-such a thing?' is all very well. But what about 'How otherwise could I have done it?””

[Idries Shah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/idries-shah/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote urges examining not just the action but the underlying method, prompting deeper reflection.

**In simple terms:** Consider how you do things.

Key Takeaway

Question your approach.

Themes

self‑improvement critical thinking methodology

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

- problem solving
- creative projects
- personal habits

Key Concepts

philosophy psychology strategy

Questions to Reflect On

- What alternative methods could you try?
- How does your approach affect outcomes?

A Different Perspective

Focusing on method may delay decisive action.

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[Evolution](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/evolution/) [Knowledge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/knowledge/) [Learning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/learning/) [Sufis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sufis/) [Sufism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sufism/)

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