Doubt Quote by Alexander Pope
““Be silent always when you doubt your sense; And speak, though sure, with seeming diffidence: Some positive, persisting fops we know, Who, if once wrong, will needs be always so; But you, with pleasure own your errors past, And make each day a critic on the last.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: An Essay on Criticism, 1711
One should doubt one’s own judgments and speak modestly, while embracing errors and constantly self‑criticizing.
In simple terms: Question yourself, speak modestly, learn from mistakes.
Key Takeaway
Stay humble and self‑critical.
Themes
humility
self‑improvement
confidence
criticism
Mood
thoughtful
reflective
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- writing
- public speaking
- decision making
Key Concepts
epistemic humility
self‑reflection
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance doubt with confidence?
- What habits help you learn from errors?
A Different Perspective
Over‑analysis can paralyze action.
