Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Lack of evidence does not prove that something does not exist.
In plain terms
Not having proof doesn't mean something isn't there.
What can you take from it?
Avoid assuming something is false just because you can't prove it.

Where it applies

  • scientific debate
  • legal arguments
  • personal doubt

Putting it to work

  • research methodology
  • critical thinking
  • policy making

Questions to consider

  • What counts as proof in your field?
  • When should you act without proof?

Another view

Sometimes absence of proof does suggest non-existence in practical terms.

More from William Cowper

  1. A self-made man? Yes, and one who worships his creator.

    Permalink to quote #97
  2. Existence is a strange bargain. Life owes us little; we owe it everything. The only true happiness comes from squandering ourselves for a purpose.

    Permalink to quote #99
  3. I would not enter on my list of friends, (Though graced with polish'd manners and fine sense, Yet wanting sensibility) the man Who needlessly sets foot upon a …

    Permalink to quote #96

Related quotes

  1. The truth may be puzzling. It may take some work to grapple with. It may be counterintuitive. It may contradict deeply held prejudices. It may not be consonant…

    Carl SaganCarl Sagan quote #3
  2. Yeah, that could have happened. It's possible. That is something you could prove. You can't prove dinosaurs ever existed. I feel it's far-fetched.

    Carl EverettCarl Everett quote #5
  3. I don't believe you on the 'Jimmy' story. No, I don't, and I'm going to prove it if it's the last thing I do.

    Bob WoodwardBob Woodward quote #6