In short, you can't let the deadline define the mission. The mission has to define the duration.
Richard HolbrookeRead
You have to test your hypothesis against other theories. Certainty in the face of complex situations is very dangerous.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of validating assumptions with various perspectives and warns against overconfidence in uncertain situations.
Richard Holbrooke underscores the necessity of rigorously testing one's theories against alternative viewpoints, especially when navigating complex scenarios. The quote highlights the potential risks associated with being overly certain without sufficient evidence, advocating for a more cautious and open-minded approach to understanding the complexities of real-world situations.
Themes
TheoryHypothesisCertaintyComplexityDanger
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about climate change, this quote can be used to emphasize the need for thorough investigation and open-mindedness.
More from Richard Holbrooke
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United Nations peacekeepers are going all over the world spreading AIDS even while they're trying to bring peace. What a supreme irony.
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World War I was not inevitable, as many historians say. It could have been avoided, and it was a diplomatically botched negotiation.
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A world without the United Nations or with a paralyzed United Nations would be far more costly to all of us and far more dangerous to peace and stability.
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