What we should do, I suggest, is to give up the idea of…
““What we should do, I suggest, is to give up the idea of ultimate sources of knowledge, and admit that all knowledge is human; that it is mixed with our errors, our prejudices, our dreams, and our hopes; that all we can do is to grope for truth even though it be beyond our reach. We may admit that our groping is often inspired, but we must be on our guard against the belief, however deeply felt, that our inspiration carries any authority, divine or otherwise. If we thus admit that there is no authority beyond the reach of criticism to be found within the whole province of our knowledge, however far it may have penetrated into the unknown, then we can retain, without danger, the idea that truth is beyond human authority. And we must retain it. For without this idea there can be no objective standards of inquiry; no criticism of our conjectures; no groping for the unknown; no quest for knowledge.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Knowledge is human, flawed, and provisional; we must constantly question and seek truth without assuming ultimate authority.
In simple terms: Human knowledge is imperfect; keep questioning.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions, stay critical.
Themes
knowledge
truth
criticism
philosophy
inquiry
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- Academic research
- science
- policy making
- personal belief systems
Key Concepts
Epistemology
fallibilism
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- What standards guide your inquiry?
- How do you balance doubt and belief?
A Different Perspective
Over‑emphasis on skepticism can lead to nihilism.