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If it looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, we have at least to consider the possibility that we have a small aquatic bird of the family anatidae on our hands.
Douglas Adams
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote humorously suggests that if something exhibits certain characteristics, it should not be dismissed as something else.

Douglas Adams uses this quote to convey that when something clearly resembles a certain type, such as a duck, we should reasonably consider it to be that thing. This statement reflects a deeper philosophical idea about perception and reality, highlighting the importance of reasoning based on observable evidence rather than assumptions or prejudice.

Themes

DuckPerceptionRealityEvidencePhilosophy

In practice

Example use cases

In a debate about clear evidence, one might quote this to emphasize logical reasoning.

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