Quotation
Quote by Omar M. Yaghi
Doubt asks why and optimism asks why not.
Explore the idea
Understanding this quote
The quote contrasts two ways of responding to uncertainty. Doubt asks for reasons before accepting something, while optimism looks for reasons to try despite uncertainty. It presents both questions as useful: one tests whether an idea is sound, and the other keeps possibilities open.
Source & trust
About this quotation
- Source
- Berkeley News
- Format
- Official Statement
Explore the idea
Topics
Join the community
Keep meaningful words close.
Save quotes, follow people and topics, join conversations, and publish words of your own.
Conversation
0 comments
No comments yet.
Start the conversation about this quote.

A Page for Every Shore
When a geography teacher discovers a blank page in the class atlas, she asks her students to fill it with places usually left unnamed. Their imperfect maps soon challenge what the adults think belongs in a book.
Read Story