There are things we know we know. . . . We know there are…
““There are things we know we know. . . . We know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns—the ones we don't know we don't know. —Donald Rumsfeld””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Recognizes limits of knowledge, distinguishing known knowns, known unknowns, and unknown unknowns.
In simple terms: We know what we know and what we don’t know, plus things we don’t realize we don’t know.
Key Takeaway
Identify and question hidden assumptions.
Themes
knowledge
uncertainty
awareness
decisionmaking
risk
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
cautious
Type
Unknowns:1
Donald Rumsfeld:1
Things Know:0
Know Unknown:0
Unknown Unknowns:1
Unknowns Ones:0
When to use this quote
- policy planning
- intelligence analysis
- personal growth
Key Concepts
epistemology
cognitive bias
strategic thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- What unknown unknowns could affect your current project?
- How do you uncover hidden gaps?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on unknowns can cause paralysis.