concept

Hanlon's Razor

Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.

Origin

Attributed to Robert J. Hanlon in a 1980 collection of Murphy's-Law–style aphorisms, though earlier versions appear in Goethe and Heinlein. A sibling razor to Occam's, often more useful in office politics.

Modern usage

Heavily quoted in tech, journalism, and any conspiracy debate. A counterweight against assuming coordinated villainy.

In the wild

Hanlon's razor: they didn't sabotage the launch, they just forgot.— engineering retros

Occam's Razor

When several explanations fit, prefer the simplest one.

concept

Science & Thought Experiments

Murphy's Law

Anything that can go wrong, will.