Clarke's First Law: When a distinguished but elderly scientist states that something is possible, he is almost certainly right. When he states that something is impossible, he is very probably wrong.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Respected older scientists are reliable on what is possible, but often mistaken when declaring something impossible.
- In plain terms
- Old experts are usually right about possibilities but often wrong about impossibilities.
- What can you take from it?
- Listen to their optimism but question their doubts.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you weigh expert opinion against evidence?
- When should you challenge an elder's view?
Another view
Age does not guarantee accuracy in every field.
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