“In plausible reasoning the principal thing is to distinguish… a more reasonable guess from a less reasonable guess.”

— George Pólya

Induction and Analogy in Mathematics (1954)

Adopted from Wikiquote. Last update June 3, 2021. History

Help us to complete the source, original and additional information

Do you have more details about the quote "In plausible reasoning the principal thing is to distinguish… a more reasonable guess from a less reasonable guess." by George Pólya?

George Pólya 35

Hungarian mathematician 1887–1985

Related quotes

“The result of the mathematician's creative work is demonstrative reasoning, a proof; but the proof is discovered by plausible reasoning, by guessing. If the learning of mathematics reflects to any degree the invention of mathematics, it must have a place for guessing, for plausible inference.”

George Pólya (1887–1985) Hungarian mathematician

Induction and Analogy in Mathematics (1954)

“Everyone knows that mathematics offers an excellent opportunity to learn demonstrative reasoning, but I contend also that there is no other subject in the usual curricula of the schools that affords a comparable opportunity to learn plausible reasoning. …let us learn proving, but also let us learn guessing.”

George Pólya (1887–1985) Hungarian mathematician

Induction and Analogy in Mathematics (1954)

“Guessing right for the wrong reason does not merit scientific immortality.”

Stephen Jay Gould (1941–2002) American evolutionary biologist

"The Godfather of Disaster", p. 379
Bully for Brontosaurus (1991)

“I guess the real reason that my wife and I had children is the same reason that Napoleon had for invading Russia: it seemed like a good idea at the time.”

Bill Cosby (1937) American actor, comedian, author, producer, musician, activist

“So, I guess we are who we are for a lot of reasons. And maybe we'll never know most of them.”

Stephen Chbosky book The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Variant: So I guess we are who we are for a lot of reasons. And maybe we'll never know most of them.
Source: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

“One more stab to the heart, one more reason to hate. One less reason to live.”

Elie Wiesel book Night

Source: Night

“Um. Well, I think that's really sad, but everything happens for a reason. I don't know how that would be a reason. I guess I haven't been in that position, so I wouldn't be able to judge that.”

Justin Bieber (1994) Canadian singer-songwriter, record producer, and actor

Rolling Stone "Justin Bieber Talks Sex, Politics, Music and Puberty In New 'Rolling Stone' Cover Story" http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/justin-bieber-talks-sex-politics-music-and-puberty-in-new-rolling-stone-cover-story-20110216, February 2011