Flying machines Quote by Lord Kelvin
“I often say that when you can measure what you are speaking about, and express it in numbers, you know something about it; but when you cannot measure it, when you cannot express it in numbers, your knowledge is of a meagre and unsatisfactory kind.”
About This Quote
Quantifiable concepts provide stronger understanding, while unmeasurable ideas remain vague and unsatisfying.
In simple terms: Numbers give clearer insight; lack of numbers leaves gaps.
Key Takeaway
Seek measurable evidence when possible.
Themes
knowledge
measurement
science
philosophy
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
aphilosophical
scientific
When to use this quote
- research
- policy making
- education
Key Concepts
empiricism
epistemology
precision
Questions to Reflect On
- Can some truths be fully captured by metrics?
A Different Perspective
What valuable insights are lost when we ignore numbers?
![“One: There is a low limit of weight [of about] 50 pounds beyond which it is impossible for an animal to fly. Two: The animal machine is far more effective than any we can hope to make. Three: The weight of any machine constructed for flying, including fuel and engineer, cannot be less than three…” quote by Joseph LeConte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/296/joseph-leconte-73855_animal_one-there-is-a-low-limit-of-weight-of-ab_585346.jpg)
![“It is apparent to me that the possibilities of the aeroplane, which two or three years ago were thought to hold the solution to the [flying machine] problem, have been exhausted, and that we must turn elsewhere.” quote by Thomas A. Edison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2d5/thomas-a-edison-866_aeroplanes_it-is-apparent-to-me-that-the-possibilit_1009237.jpg)
