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Whoever undertakes to set himself up as a judge of Truth…

“Whoever undertakes to set himself up as a judge of Truth and Knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter of the gods." [Preface to Brissot's Address to His Constituents (1794)]” quote by Edmund Burke
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““Whoever undertakes to set himself up as a judge of Truth and Knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter of the gods." [Preface to Brissot's Address to His Constituents (1794)]””

Edmund Burke

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Claiming ultimate truth leads to hubris and divine mockery.

In simple terms: Overconfidence invites ridicule.

Key Takeaway

Stay humble about knowledge limits.

Themes

humility philosophy truth

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • academic debate
  • political discourse
  • personal belief systems

Key Concepts

epistemic humility skepticism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What truths do you hold most firmly?
  • How can you test your convictions?
A Different Perspective

Absolute certainty is impossible.

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