Yet it is unassailably true that so long as we lack…
““Yet it is unassailably true that so long as we lack omniscience and do not know all of the future, all our generalizations are fallible or only probable. And the history of human error shows that a general consensus, or widespread and unquestioned feeling of certainty, does not preclude the possibility that the future may show us to be in error.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Without complete knowledge, all generalizations remain uncertain and prone to error, even when widely accepted.
In simple terms: Generalizations are always uncertain without full knowledge.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions and seek evidence.
Themes
certainty
Error
Fallible
Probable
Time
Generalizations Fallible
Fallible Probable
Future Generalizations
Omniscience Know
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
Certainty:0
Error:1
Fallible:1
Generalizations:1
Omniscience:0
Probable:0
Time:0
Generalizations Fallible:0
Fallible Probable:0
Future Generalizations:0
Omniscience Know:0
When to use this quote
- Scientific research
- Policy making
- Every forecasting
- Historical analysis
Key Concepts
Epistemology
Fallibility
Consensus
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you test widely held beliefs?
- What role does uncertainty play in decision making?
A Different Perspective
Even broad consensus can be wrong; new data emerges.