If the facts don't fit the theory, change the facts.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- This sarcastic remark highlights the danger of forcing data to fit a preferred theory instead of revising the theory.
- In plain terms
- Change your theory to fit facts, not the other way around.
- What can you take from it?
- Data should guide theory, not vice versa.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you handle conflicting data?
- When is a theory worth keeping?
Another view
It ignores cases where initial data might be flawed or misleading.
More from Albert Einstein
If people are good only because they fear punishment, and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed.
Permalink to quote #203 If you are out to describe the truth, leave elegance to the tailor.
Permalink to quote #205 If I knew what I was doing, it wouldn't be called research.
Permalink to quote #202
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