“For an idea that does not first seem insane, there is no hope.”
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Attribution note
No reliable primary or scholarly source confirms this exact wording as Albert Einstein's. It is widely circulated under his name and is listed as commonly attributed.
About this quote
This wording, beginning "For an idea that does not first seem insane, there…," circulates under Einstein's name and focuses on insane. No strong source for the exact text was found, so the page presents it as commonly attributed while still explaining its practical connection to creativity and wisdom.
When to use it
- Use "For an idea that does not first seem insane, there…" in a creativity discussion, then ask which concrete claim the wording makes.
- Compare its treatment of insane with wisdom in a lesson, essay, or editorial note before drawing a conclusion.
- Before sharing it as Einstein's exact words, display the attribution caveat and follow the evidence link recorded on the page.