For us there is no ignorabimus, and in my opinion none…
“For us there is no ignorabimus, and in my opinion none whatever in natural science. In opposition to the foolish ignorabimus our slogan shall be: "We must know - we will know!"”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Hilbert asserts that there are no unknowable truths in natural science and declares a confident slogan of human knowledge.
In simple terms: Science can eventually know everything; we must pursue knowledge.
Pursue knowledge without accepting ignorance.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- research
- education
- policy making
- public discourse
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What limits might we face in scientific discovery?
- How does optimism shape scientific progress?
Some scientific questions may remain inherently unsolvable.