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Meaning
The quote says that even if something cannot be done, it is still worthwhile to figure out the reason. It values understanding the limits of a problem, not just whether the goal can be achieved. It also suggests that failure to do something can still lead to useful knowledge.
When It Was Said
Not documented yet.
Who It Was Said To
Not documented yet.
Historical Context
Not documented yet.
Source
My Brief History (2013)
Original Language & Translation
Originally said in English.
Did They Really Say It?
The phrase appears in the book "My Brief History (2013)" by Stephen Hawking (Google Books snippet); no earlier source was checked.
Did You Know?
Not documented yet.
About Stephen Hawking
English theoretical astrophysicist, cosmologist, and author
Stephen Hawking was an English theoretical astrophysicist, cosmologist, and author. He was director of research at the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology at the University of Cambridge, and from 1979 to 2009 he held the Lucasian Professorship of Mathematics there. He is known for his work in theoretical astrophysics and cosmology, as well as for his writing. His career was closely associated with Cambridge, where he occupied a post widely regarded as among the most prestigious in academic life.
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READ THE SOURCE
Books by Stephen Hawking
A Brief History of Time
1989
George's Secret Key to the Universe
2007
A Briefer History of Time
2008
The Universe in a Nutshell
2001
The Grand Design
2010