Ardent desire for knowledge, in fact, is the one motive…
“Ardent desire for knowledge, in fact, is the one motive attracting and supporting investigators in their efforts; and just this knowledge, really grasped and yet always flying before them, becomes at once their sole torment and their sole happiness. Those who do not know the torment of the unknown cannot have the joy of discovery which is certainly the liveliest that the mind of man can ever feel.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The pursuit of knowledge drives investigators, making the unknown both a source of suffering and the greatest joy when uncovered.
In simple terms: Knowledge fuels both torment and happiness.
Key Takeaway
Discovery is a paradoxical pleasure.
Themes
Curiosity
Motivation
Intellectual struggle
Joy of learning
Human nature
Mood
Inspired
Reflective
Awe
Type
Philosophical
Motivational
When to use this quote
- Scientific research
- Personal study
- Exploring new fields
- Solving complex problems
Key Concepts
Inquiry
Emotion
Cognition
Practical Applications
- Motivating research teams
- Designing educational curricula
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives you to seek answers?
- How do you balance the frustration of uncertainty with the excitement of discovery?