The worst mistake of first contact, made throughout history by individuals on both sides of every new encounter, has been the unfortunate habit of making assumptions. It often proved fatal.

Meaning

This quote articulates a concise principle related to life. It hints that life rarely follows a perfect plan and reminds us that unexpected events often teach us.

Theme

As a foundational human concern, life appears in many sayings. It matters because people seek purpose and clarity, and this quote reminds us that being present enriches experience.

About the Author

Many popular reflections are credited to David Brin, including this one. Their words often comment on themes like life.

Style and Structure

The phrasing is minimalistic, using contrast to focus attention on the core idea.

FAQ

What does this quote mean?
life rarely follows a perfect plan.

Why is it popular?
It speaks clearly about life, making it widely relatable.

How can it be applied?
It encourages us to we stay open to change.