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About this quote

What does it mean?
Predicting past events is easy because they already happened.
In plain terms
The past is known; only the future is uncertain.
What can you take from it?
Past events are certain; futures are not.

Where it applies

  • reviewing history
  • debating outcomes
  • looking back

Putting it to work

  • distinguish past from future
  • avoid hindsight bias
  • learn from facts

Questions to consider

  • How do you judge the past?
  • What surprises future you?

Another view

This is obvious but often forgotten.

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