A likely impossibility is always preferable to an unconvincing possibility.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: The essence of the quote lies in its exploration of the human preference for certainty and conviction over ambiguity and doubt. "A likely impossibility is always preferable to an unconvincing possibility" suggests that when faced with choices or decisions, people often lean towards outcomes that are deemed improbable but plausible over those that seem possible but lack credibility or persuasion.
Imagine being confronted with two options: one that appears highly unlikely to occur but, if it were to happen, would be logically consistent and convincing; and another that seems feasible on the surface but lacks substantial evidence or reasoning to support its likelihood. In this scenario, the quote advises that the improbable yet logically sound option holds more appeal. This preference stems from a desire for clarity and assurance in one's decisions and beliefs.
The concept also touches on the idea of credibility and believability. Humans tend to gravitate towards ideas, plans, or possibilities that they can trust and have confidence in. Even if an outcome is far-fetched, as long as it follows a coherent and rational path, it provides a sense of security and understanding. This contrasts with possibilities that are presented as feasible but fail to convince due to lack of evidence, reasoning, or coherence.
Moreover, the quote can be interpreted as a reflection of human psychology and decision-making processes. It underscores our inclination to seek out solutions or futures that we can envisage with clarity and conviction. This inclination shapes how we assess risks, make choices, and interpret the world around us. We often find comfort in believing in something that seems improbable yet logically sound because it aligns with our need for coherence and understanding in a complex and uncertain world.
In essence, "A likely impossibility is always preferable to an unconvincing possibility" encapsulates a deep-seated aspect of human nature — our propensity to value coherence, credibility, and conviction over mere possibility. It encourages us to prioritize outcomes or beliefs that, while unlikely, offer a clear rationale and logic, rather than settling for possibilities that lack persuasiveness or fail to inspire confidence. This perspective not only guides individual decision-making but also sheds light on broader themes of trust, credibility, and the pursuit of certainty in the face of uncertainty.
Who said the quote?
The quote "A likely impossibility is always preferable to an unconvincing possibility." is often attributed to Aristotle (Bio / Quotes). Aristotle was a Greek philosopher and scientist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest thinkers in history.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
Consider the case of the early 20th-century scientific debate surrounding the theory of continental drift. In the 1910s, Alfred Wegener proposed that continents were once connected and had drifted apart over millions of years. His theory was seen as a "likely impossibility" because it challenged established geological concepts and lacked a mechanism for how continents could drift. Despite Wegener's evidence from matching geological formations and fossil distributions, many geologists dismissed his theory because it seemed improbable and lacked convincing support at the time.
Fast forward to the 1960s, when plate tectonics was developed. This theory provided a convincing mechanism—seafloor spreading and the movement of tectonic plates—that validated Wegener’s earlier ideas. The theory of plate tectonics was initially a "likely impossibility" that became a widely accepted explanation due to its compelling evidence and coherence with existing geological observations.
The evolution of Wegener's theory illustrates how a theory that initially seemed improbable was more favorable than an unconvincing explanation. Wegener’s ideas were not immediately accepted because they lacked a convincing mechanism, but they were far more promising than the prevailing theories that did not fully explain geological phenomena. Ultimately, the integration of Wegener’s ideas into the broader framework of plate tectonics provided a more robust and convincing explanation for the movement of continents.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
Imagine a business setting where a team is brainstorming ideas for a new product launch. One team member proposes a novel concept that involves advanced technology and an unconventional approach. This idea might seem like a "likely impossibility" because it involves high risk and unproven technology. However, the team recognizes that the potential benefits of this innovative idea—if it succeeds—could be significant and transformative.
On the other hand, another team member suggests a safer, more conventional approach that is well-understood but may not differentiate the product much in the market. This conventional approach, while more feasible, lacks the potential for the substantial impact that the unconventional idea offers.
Applying the quote, the team would benefit from considering the innovative idea despite its apparent improbability. A "likely impossibility" that is bold and groundbreaking may lead to significant rewards and advancements, whereas an unconvincing possibility might result in minimal differentiation and impact. The key takeaway is that embracing challenging but potentially high-reward ideas can be more advantageous than settling for conventional approaches that may not drive substantial progress or innovation.
In real life, this principle encourages individuals and teams to weigh the potential of ideas that seem improbable but have compelling possibilities against those that are more predictable but less transformative. It promotes a willingness to take calculated risks and pursue ideas that, while initially challenging to accept, could lead to significant advancements and breakthroughs.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
