About this quote

The line pushes you to stop and check what you already accept. Look for the assumptions hiding inside the claim and separate them from real facts. Do one concrete test: check the numbers, ask a single person who knows, or try the idea briefly and watch the outcome. If it fails that simple check, change your plan and move on. What can you test right now?

When to use it

• Work — project kickoff: "I think... if it is true that last quarter's numbers were misreported, then we need to redo the timeline and tell the client."
• Thesis defense: "I think... if it is true that the dataset supports this model, my conclusion stands; if not, I'll re-run the analysis and report the limits."
• Family — deciding a curfew: "I think... if it is true that they've been late three nights in a row, then we should set a clear consequence for the week."
• Money — investment review: "I think... if it is true that the market signal has flipped, we should trim our exposure and lock in gains."