"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity . . . "– Albert Einstein

Spring May 13, 2016

Please explain your correct answer

If only introduces the necessary condition, as in this question, then infinite (I) is the necessary condition, making the remaining variables (U & H) the sufficient. For example, U & H - - > I Contrapositive: Not I - - -> Not U or Not H Thanks,

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Mehran May 20, 2016

@Spring what follows "only" here is actually "two things." What two things? "the universe and human stupidity."

As for the "and" versus the "or," the issue with using "and" is that your contrapositive wouldn't be accurate.

"AND"

I ===> U & HS
not U or not HS ==> not I

The contrapositive here is not correct because something that is not U could still be HS so it is still possible it is I.

"OR"

I ===> U or HS
not U & not HS ==> not I

Notice this accurately captures the contrapositive of Einstein's statement.

If neither the universe nor human stupidity, then it is not infinite.

This is a great drill because it emphasizes the importance of not blindly following rules and really understanding the conditional statements you encounter.

Hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions.

RJEh November 26, 2017

Good question that one was tricky

TylerColasanto May 29, 2020

Hi, I am still confused on this one. Can you explain it some more please?

edixon September 16, 2020

What? Please let me know where I can further read about this. Why do you have I as the sufficient?

edixon September 16, 2020

Ok. Wait. This question is really a "the only" question, right? If so, I get it. If not, please explain. Thanks!

Mazen November 18, 2021

Only TWO THINGS, which are the universe and human stupidity, are infinite. The phrase "two things" refers to "the universe and human stupidity." Since only introduces necessary, the two things, again which are the universe and human stupidity, are the necessary. The other part is the sufficient.

Insofar as the "and" versus the "or,". It would not make sense with an "and." Einstein is not saying that the sum of the "two things" is infinite (though if we add two infinite quantities, we do get an infinite amount), he's saying stupidity, like the universe is also infinite. So either of these things in and of itself is infinite. It doesn't make sense to interpret its logic with an "and," because the "two things" are not meant to be added!

jakennedy January 19, 2022

Hi @Mazen,

That’s exactly right! “Only”, a necessary condition indicator, is followed by “two things” which is referring to the universe and human stupidity. This is a great example of why you need to think critically when you are using the sufficient/necessary condition indicators.