Adequate Quote by Percy Bysshe Shelley
“It is vain philosophy that supposes more causes than are exactly adequate to explain the phenomena of things.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Revolt of Islam” (1820)
It criticizes overly complex explanations that add unnecessary causes beyond what is sufficient to understand phenomena.
In simple terms: Too many causes confuse understanding.
Key Takeaway
Simplify explanations to match evidence.
Themes
philosophy
logic
clarity
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- policy analysis
- education
- critical thinking
Key Concepts
Occam's razor
causation
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- Are you overcomplicating a problem?
- When is simplicity insufficient?
A Different Perspective
Complex causes may be necessary in some contexts.
![“[To] explain the phenomena of the mineral kingdom ... systems are usually reduced to two classes, according as they refer to the origin of terrestrial bodies to FIRE or to WATER; and ... their followers have of late been distinguished by the fanciful names of Vulcanists and Neptunists. To the…” quote by John Playfair](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/081/john-playfair-46821_agency_to-explain-the-phenomena-of-the-mineral_707668.jpg)
