I do indeed disbelieve that we or any other mortal men can…
“I do indeed disbelieve that we or any other mortal men can attain on a given day to absolutely incorrigible and unimprovable truth about such matters of fact as those with which religions deal. But I reject this dogmatic ideal not out of a perverse delight in intellectual instability. I am no lover of disorder and doubt as such. Rather do I fear to lose truth by this pretension to possess it already wholly.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He argues against claiming absolute certainty in religious truth, fearing dogmatic certainty more than doubt
In simple terms: Avoid claiming absolute certainty in faith
Key Takeaway
Embrace humility and open inquiry
Themes
philosophy
religion
epistemology
Mood
thoughtful
introspective
Type
philosophical
essay
When to use this quote
- theological debates
- personal belief formation
- academic study
Key Concepts
skepticism
humility
truth‑seeking
Questions to Reflect On
- What truths do you hold without proof?
- How do you balance faith and doubt?
A Different Perspective
Absolute certainty may be unattainable