QuoteProject
If you don't make mistakes, you're not working on hard enough problems. And that's a big mistake.
Frank Wilczek
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Making mistakes is a sign of tackling challenging problems.

This quote emphasizes the importance of embracing mistakes as a part of the learning process. Frank Wilczek suggests that if you are not making mistakes, you may not be pushing yourself to confront significant challenges, which can hinder your growth and creativity.

Themes

MistakesProblemsGrowthChallengesLearning

In practice

Example use cases

During a workshop on innovation, I shared this quote to encourage participants to take risks.

More from Frank Wilczek

An ordinary mistake is one that leads to a dead end, while a profound mistake is one that leads to progress. Anyone can make an ordinary mistake, but it takes a genius to make a profound mistake.
Frank WilczekRead
In physics, your solution should convince a reasonable person. In math, you have to convince a person who's trying to make trouble. Ultimately, in physics, you're hoping to convince Nature. And I've found Nature to be pretty reasonable.
Frank WilczekRead
Why is there something rather than nothing?
Frank WilczekRead

Similar quotes

The greatest discovery of the 19th century was not in the realm of the physical sciences, but the power of the subconscious mind touched by faith. Any individual can tap into an eternal reservoir of power that will enable them to overcome any problem that may arise. All weaknesses can be overcome, bodily healing, financial independence, spiritual awakening, and prosperity beyond your wildest dreams. This is the superstructure of happiness.
William JamesRead
If people find that controversial then I would just refer them to the Sermon on the Mount.
Barack ObamaRead
Character is higher than intellect. A great soul will be strong to live as well as think.
Ralph Waldo EmersonRead
She returned his gaze, struck by the sense of her own transformation, and overwhelmed by the beauty which a lifetime havit had taught her to ignore.
Ian McewanRead
If each day falls _x000D_ inside each night, _x000D_ there exists a well _x000D_ where clarity is imprisoned. _x000D_ _x000D_ We need to sit on the rim _x000D_ of the well of darkness _x000D_ and fish for fallen light _x000D_ with patience.
Pablo NerudaRead
Most things don't work out as expected, but what happens instead often turns out to be the good stuff.
Judi DenchRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.