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Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.

Stephen Hawking (attributed)

Mind

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The idea in context

Widely attributed to Stephen Hawking, but no source in his books, lectures or interviews has been found; quote researchers class it as a modern coinage that borrowed his prestige. Hawking's genuine view was nearby but subtler — he prized the capacity to change one's mind, famously conceding lost bets about black holes in public.

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Stephen Hawking (atfedilir)

Stephen Hawking'e yaygın atfedilir; ancak kitaplarında, derslerinde ve röportajlarında kaynağı bulunamamıştır — alıntı araştırmacıları bunu onun prestijini ödünç almış modern bir üretim sayar. Hawking'in gerçek görüşü yakın ama daha inceydi: Fikir değiştirebilme yetisine değer verirdi; kara delikler üzerine kaybettiği iddiaları herkesin önünde kabul etmesiyle ünlüdür.

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Attribution sync 2026-08-21: no citation in his books, lectures or interviews; the idea is separately misattributed to Darwin.

Background reading: Stephen HawkingAttribution and context are revised when stronger evidence appears. Corrections are welcome through the editorial page.
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