When I say that a thing is true, I mean that I cannot help…
““When I say that a thing is true, I mean that I cannot help believing it… But ... I do not venture to assume that my inabilities in the way of thought are inabilities of the universe. I therefore define truth as the system of my limitations, and leave absolute truth for those who are better equipped… Certitude is not the test of certainty. We have been cock-sure of many things that were not so.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Truth is limited by personal capacity; absolute truth belongs to those better equipped, and certainty can be misleading.
In simple terms: Truth is personal and limited.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions, seek humility.
Themes
truth
certainty
doubt
humility
knowledge
Mood
inquisitive
skeptical
Type
Absolute truth:1
Certainty:1
Doubt:1
Faith:0
Truth:1
Define Truth:0
Truth Limitations:0
When to use this quote
- academic research
- personal belief
- scientific inquiry
- ethical decision
Key Concepts
epistemology
philosophy
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you define truth?
- What limits our understanding?
A Different Perspective
Absolute truth may be unattainable.