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About this quote

What does it mean?
Tossing a straw shows the wind direction just like observing small signs.
In plain terms
A simple test can show which way things are going.
What can you take from it?
Small tests reveal larger trends.

Where it applies

  • science
  • investigation
  • market analysis

Putting it to work

  • testing hypotheses
  • reading signals

Questions to consider

  • What small signs matter most?
  • How do we test direction?

Another view

One small test may not always predict the whole situation.

More from John Selden

  1. Few men make themselves masters of the things they write or speak.

    Permalink to quote #10
  2. Philosophy is nothing but discretion.

    Permalink to quote #12
  3. Wit and wisdom are born with a man.

    Permalink to quote #9

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