Avoid Quote by Richard P. Feynman
“Do not keep saying to yourself, if you can possibly avoid it, 'But how can it be like that?' because you will get 'down the drain,' into a blind alley from which nobody has yet escaped. Nobody knows how it can be like that.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Feynman Lectures on Physics, 1964
Questioning impossible scenarios leads to mental traps that stall progress and creativity.
In simple terms: Avoid self‑imposed paradoxes.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and discard futile mental loops.
Themes
critical thinking
mental models
problem solving
Mood
reflective
curious
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- research brainstorming
- decision making
- learning new concepts
- creative writing
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
paradox
self‑sabotage
Questions to Reflect On
- What mental patterns keep you stuck?
- How can you reframe a paradox into a useful question?
A Different Perspective
If you ignore the question, you may miss a deeper insight.
