Thank god Quote by Czeslaw Milosz
““When someone is honestly 55 percent right, that’s very good and there’s no use wrangling. And if someone is 60 percent right, it’s wonderful, it’s great luck, and let him thank God. But what’s to be said about 75 percent right? Wise people say this is suspicious. Well, and what about 100 percent right? Whoever says he’s 100 percent right is a fanatic, a thug, and the worst kind of rascal.””
About This Quote
Partial correctness is acceptable; higher certainty invites suspicion, and claiming absolute certainty marks fanaticism, warning against overconfidence.
In simple terms: Certainty beyond a point becomes dangerous.
Key Takeaway
Overconfidence breeds fanaticism.
Themes
confidence
skepticism
truth
extremism
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- political rhetoric
- scientific debate
- personal decision‑making
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
epistemic humility
Practical Applications
- calibrate confidence levels
- invite dissenting views
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we gauge when confidence is justified?
- What mechanisms curb fanaticism?
A Different Perspective
Some contexts (e.g., emergency response) require decisive certainty despite risk of overconfidence.
