--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is scientific only to say what is more…" description: "\"It is scientific only to say what is more likely and what less likely, and not to be proving all the time the possible and impossible.\" — Richard P. Fe..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7e2/richard-p-feynman-495_impossible_it-is-scientific-only-to-say-what-is-mor_1769188.png" --- # It is scientific only to say what is more likely and what… ![“It is scientific only to say what is more likely and what less likely, and not to be proving all the time the possible and impossible.” quote by Richard P. Feynman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7e2/richard-p-feynman-495_impossible_it-is-scientific-only-to-say-what-is-mor_1769188.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7e2/richard-p-feynman-495_impossible_it-is-scientific-only-to-say-what-is-mor_1769188.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7e2/richard-p-feynman-495_impossible_it-is-scientific-only-to-say-what-is-mor_1769188.png) > “It is scientific only to say what is more likely and what less likely, and not to be proving all the time the possible and impossible.” [Richard P. Feynman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-p-feynman/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Scientific statements should express likelihood, not attempt to prove every possibility, distinguishing probable from impossible. **In simple terms:** Science should state probabilities, not prove all. Key Takeaway Focus on likelihood, not exhaustive proof. Themes science probability methodology Mood analytical inquisitive Type explanatory educational When to use this quote - research design - risk assessment - policy making - education Key Concepts epistemology critical thinking Questions to Reflect On - How do you balance probability with caution? - When is proving the impossible valuable? A Different Perspective Overemphasis on probability can ignore rare but critical events. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Possible and impossible](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/possible-and-impossible/) [Science](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/science/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) ## Related quotes > [So my antagonist said, "Is it impossible that there are flying saucers? Can you prove that it's impossible?" "No", I said, "I can't prove…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-p-feynman/so-my-antagonist-said-is-it-impossible-that-there-are-flying-saucers/) [Richard P. 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