Coincidences Quote by Vladimir Nabokov
““...beyond observing that some law of logic should fix the number of coincidences, in a given domain, after which they cease to be coincidences, and form, instead, the living organism of a new truth (“Tell me,” says Osberg’s little glitana to the Moors, El Motela and Ramera, “what is the precise minimum of hairs on a body that allows one to call it ‘hairy’?”)””
About This Quote
Source Novel: “The Gift” by Vladimir Nabokov, 1938
The passage satirically explores the quest for precise definitions, highlighting how over‑analysis can turn simple observations into absurdities.
In simple terms: Trying to measure everything can become ridiculous.
Key Takeaway
Seek balance between curiosity and practicality.
Themes
logic
absurdity
language
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
ironic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- legal analysis
- every design
- every debates
Key Concepts
definition theory
semantic limits
Questions to Reflect On
- When does analysis become counterproductive?
- How can we accept ambiguity without losing rigor?
A Different Perspective
Exact precision can hinder understanding and creativity.
![“...under no circumstances would he [Humbert Humbert] have interfered with the innocence of a child, if there was the least risk of a row.” quote by Vladimir Nabokov](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0f0/vladimir-nabokov-198_children_under-no-circumstances-would-he-humbert_16228.jpg)
