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A man was meant to be doubtful about himself, but…

“A man was meant to be doubtful about himself, but undoubting about the truth; this has been reversed. Nowadays the part of a man that a man does assert is exactly the part he ought not to assert - himself. The part he doubts is exactly the part he ought not to doubt - the Divine Reason.” quote by Gilbert K. Chesterton
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“A man was meant to be doubtful about himself, but undoubting about the truth; this has been reversed. Nowadays the part of a man that a man does assert is exactly the part he ought not to assert - himself. The part he doubts is exactly the part he ought not to doubt - the Divine Reason.”

Gilbert K. Chesterton

About This Quote

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

Self‑doubt should be directed toward divine truth, not personal identity; modern reversal misplaces confidence.

In simple terms: Doubt divine truth, not self.

Key Takeaway

Align confidence with higher principles.

Themes

philosophy self truth

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

philosophical expository

When to use this quote

  • theological study
  • personal development
  • ethical leadership

Key Concepts

epistemology spiritual humility

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why is self‑doubt misdirected today?
  • How to balance confidence and humility?
A Different Perspective

May ignore psychological self‑esteem needs.

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