"In order to shake a hypothesis, it is sometimes not necessary to do anything more than push it as far as it will go"

This quote by Denis Diderot recommends that in order to test the credibility of a hypothesis, it is not always necessary to conduct a complicated experiment or analysis. Instead, it is sometimes adequate to take the hypothesis to its sensible conclusion and see if it still applies. This is a beneficial technique when the hypothesis is based upon a simple concept or idea, as it can be quickly and easily tested. It is also a great way to determine any defects or inconsistencies in the hypothesis, as pushing it to its limits can often expose any weak points. Eventually, this quote encourages us to think seriously and to not take any hypothesis at face value, but to rather press it to its limits and see if it still stands up to scrutiny.