Our knowledge of circumstances has increased, but our…
“Our knowledge of circumstances has increased, but our uncertainty, instead of having diminished, has only increased. The reason of this is, that we do not gain all our experience at once, but by degrees; so our determinations continue to be assailed incessantly by fresh experience; and the mind, if we may use the expression, must always be under arms.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
More knowledge brings new questions, so uncertainty grows as we learn gradually and face continual challenges.
In simple terms: Learning more creates more doubts.
Key Takeaway
Embrace ongoing inquiry.
Themes
knowledge
uncertainty
learning
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- academic research
- policy making
- personal development
- strategic planning
Key Concepts
epistemology
incremental insight
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance new information with decision‑making?
- When does uncertainty become a barrier?
A Different Perspective
Complex problems may never be fully resolved, leading to analysis paralysis.