Looking for the author of this quote

  • Thread starter Thread starter bndnchrs
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Quote
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying the author of a specific quote related to problem-solving in physics, particularly one that emphasizes knowing the answer before attempting a calculation. The context appears to be informal, with participants sharing insights on the quote's attribution and its significance in academic settings.

Discussion Character

  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant recalls a quote that suggests one should never start a problem without knowing the answer in advance, expressing uncertainty about its attribution to Feynman.
  • Another participant attributes a similar quote to John Archibald Wheeler, stating, "Never make a calculation until you know the answer," and provides a link to a source for verification.
  • A subsequent reply confirms the attribution to Wheeler and expresses appreciation for the quote.
  • Another participant shares their personal fondness for the quote, indicating its impact on their perspective.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the attribution of the quote to Wheeler, though initial uncertainty about Feynman's connection is noted. The discussion does not present any significant disagreement.

Contextual Notes

The discussion is limited by the lack of precise wording of the quote and the informal nature of the attributions, which may depend on personal interpretations or recollections.

bndnchrs
Messages
26
Reaction score
0
Accidental double post
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Its a quote I want to use it on a proof, I just don't want to screw it up and attribute it to Feynman (though its a good chance its his). I also don't remember the precise wording.

It goes something like this

? said:
Never start a problem unless you know the answer in advance

Thanks guys! I know one of you knows this, its pretty damn famous, about every graduate student gets it drilled into their heads!
 
Wheeler!

Thanks!
 
It's one of my favourites! :smile:
 

Similar threads

News Kurt Gottfried: Physicist, Author & Co-Founder of UCS Dies at 93
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Looking for Einstein quotes re: extent of his knowledge
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad How to find the H index of an author using Google Scholar?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
11K
Undergrad Papers with fewer authors are more disruptive
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Bug Displayed equation in quote not displayed
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
High School The physical concepts in the double jump of the video games
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
LaTeX Message editor problems quoting double dollar LaTex
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
What an author did when paper was proved wrong
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
High School Looking for context for a textbook quote
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Sex determination based on food availability
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K