With the unknown, one is confronted with danger…
“With the unknown, one is confronted with danger, discomfort, and care; the first instinct is to abolish these painful states. First principle: any explanation is better than none. . . . The causal instinct is thus conditional upon, and excited by, the feeling of fear. The "why?" shall, if at all possible, not give the cause for its own sake so much as for a particular kind of cause -- a cause that is comforting, liberating, and relieving.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Humans instinctively fear the unknown and seek comforting explanations, yet true understanding requires confronting discomfort.
In simple terms: Fear drives us to simplify; true insight needs discomfort.
Key Takeaway
Embrace uncertainty for deeper knowledge.
Themes
philosophy
psychology
knowledge
Mood
inquisitive
analytical
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- personal growth
- decision making
Key Concepts
fear
causality
comfort seeking
Questions to Reflect On
- What fears limit your learning?
- How can you tolerate uncertainty?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on comfort can hinder progress.