--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: To expect a fact, is by definition to…" description: "\"“To expect a fact, is by definition to expect the isolated, it is for positivism, to prefer the ‘accident’ to the essential, the contingent to the nece..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3b2/jean-piaget-4336_expect_to-expect-a-fact-is-by-definition-to-exp_171683.jpg" --- # To expect a fact, is by definition to expect the isolated… ![“To expect a fact, is by definition to expect the isolated, it is for positivism, to prefer the ‘accident’ to the essential, the contingent to the necessary, disorder to order; it is in principle to reject the essential in the future:” quote by Jean Piaget](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3b2/jean-piaget-4336_expect_to-expect-a-fact-is-by-definition-to-exp_171683.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3b2/jean-piaget-4336_expect_to-expect-a-fact-is-by-definition-to-exp_171683.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3b2/jean-piaget-4336_expect_to-expect-a-fact-is-by-definition-to-exp_171683.jpg) > ““To expect a fact, is by definition to expect the isolated, it is for positivism, to prefer the ‘accident’ to the essential, the contingent to the necessary, disorder to order; it is in principle to reject the essential in the future:”” [Jean Piaget](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-piaget/) ## 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 critiques positivism for focusing on isolated facts and accidents, ignoring deeper essential truths and necessary order, thus limiting future understanding. **In simple terms:** Positivism overemphasizes details and neglects fundamental principles. Key Takeaway Seek underlying patterns, not just surface facts. Themes philosophy epistemology critical thinking Mood analytical critical inquisitive Type philosophical critical inspirational When to use this quote - academic research - scientific inquiry - policy analysis - education - philosophical debate Key Concepts essentialism order necessity positivism contingency Questions to Reflect On - How can we balance detail with essential insight? - What risks arise from ignoring isolated facts? 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