Alternatives Quote by Lewis Thomas
“Mistakes are at the very base of human thought, embedded there, feeding the structure like root nodules. If we were not provided with the knack for being wrong, we could never get anything useful done. We think our way along by choosing between right and wrong alternatives, and the wrong choices have to be made as often as the right ones. We get along in life this way.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Lives of a Cell, 1974
Errors are fundamental to learning; they drive scientific and personal progress.
In simple terms: Mistakes fuel progress.
Key Takeaway
Embrace being wrong.
Themes
learning
error
innovation
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- education
- research
- creative projects
Key Concepts
scientific method
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance risk and caution?
- When is a mistake acceptable?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on error may cause paralysis.
![“[When asked how it felt to be a female prime minister:] I don't know: I've never experienced the alternative.” quote by Margaret Thatcher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/324/margaret-thatcher-463_alternatives_when-asked-how-it-felt-to-be-a-female-pr_15081.jpg)
