Dennett — “We have all heard the forlorn refrain “Well…”

Source: Intuition Pumps And Other Tools for Thinking — Daniel C. Dennett

Book page: dennett-intuition-pumps-part-1

From: Intuition Pumps and Other Tools for Thinking — Quotes

---

We have all heard the forlorn refrain “Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time!” This phrase has come to stand for the rueful reflection of an idiot, a sign of stupidity, but in fact we should appreciate it as a pillar of wisdom. Any being, any agent, who can truly say, “Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time!” is standing on the threshold of brilliance. We