We know the effects of many things, but the cause of few…
“We know the effects of many things, but the cause of few; experience, therefore, is a surer guide than imagination, and inquiry than conjecture.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Experience provides more reliable knowledge than speculation, urging reliance on observed facts over imagined possibilities.
In simple terms: Experience is more trustworthy than imagination.
Trust what you have lived through.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- making decisions
- learning new skills
- evaluating claims
- personal growth
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you verify what you believe?
- When should you trust intuition over data?
Imagination can inspire but may mislead without evidence.