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Assessment Quote by Isaac Newton

“I can measure the motion of bodies but I cannot measure human folly.” quote by Isaac Newton
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“I can measure the motion of bodies but I cannot measure human folly.”

Isaac Newton

About This Quote

Source Letter: Personal correspondence, 1687

The author can quantify physical motion but acknowledges the unpredictability of human behavior, highlighting limits of scientific measurement.

In simple terms: Science can’t predict human folly.

Key Takeaway

Accept uncertainty in human actions.

Themes

science philosophy human nature

Mood

thoughtful reflective

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • economics
  • politics
  • personal relationships

Key Concepts

measurement uncertainty behavior

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can we ever fully model human decisions?
  • What tools help us understand irrationality?
A Different Perspective

Human actions often defy logical models.

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