Failure Quote by Yevgeny Zamyatin
““The multiplication table is more wise and more absolute than the ancient god, for the multiplication table never (do you understand—never) makes mistakes! There are no more fortunate and happy people than those who live according to the correct, eternal laws of the multiplication table. No hesitation! No errors! There is but one truth, and there is but one path to it; and that truth is: four, and that path is: two times two.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: We by Yevgeny Zamyatin, 1924
The quote uses the multiplication table as a metaphor for absolute, unchanging truth and the certainty of logical reasoning over myth or superstition.
In simple terms: Logical certainty is like a multiplication table—always correct.
Trust precise, logical rules over vague beliefs.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- education
- policy making
- personal decision making
- engineering
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Can you think of a situation where strict logic fails?
- When might embracing uncertainty be beneficial?
It ignores the role of intuition, creativity, and context that sometimes require flexible thinking.