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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 "It is the theory which decides what can be observed," circulates under Einstein's name and focuses on theory, decides, observed. No strong source for the exact text was found, so the page presents it as commonly attributed while still explaining its practical connection to science and wisdom.
When to use it
- Use "It is the theory which decides what can be observed" in a science discussion, then ask which concrete claim the wording makes.
- Compare its treatment of theory with decides 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.