Skip to content

Achievement Quote by David Berlinski

“At the beginning of the new millennium, we still do not know why mathematics is true and whether it is certain. But we know what we do not know in an immeasurably richer way than we did. And learning this has been a remarkable achievement-among the greatest and least-known of the modern era.” quote by David Berlinski
Download Open image
“At the beginning of the new millennium, we still do not know why mathematics is true and whether it is certain. But we know what we do not know in an immeasurably richer way than we did. And learning this has been a remarkable achievement-among the greatest and least-known of the modern era.”

David Berlinski

About This Quote

Source Lecture: The Limits of Mathematical Knowledge, 2015

We acknowledge vast unknowns in mathematics, yet this awareness deepens our appreciation of its richness.

In simple terms: Knowing what we don’t know enriches understanding.

Key Takeaway

Embrace uncertainty as a catalyst for inquiry.

Themes

uncertainty knowledge mathematics philosophy

Mood

curious thoughtful

Type

analytical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • research projects
  • educational curricula
  • philosophical debates
  • personal study plans

Key Concepts

epistemology infinite regress

Questions to Reflect On

  • What unknowns motivate your study?
  • How does uncertainty shape your approach to problems?
A Different Perspective

Some argue mathematics is certain; the quote highlights limits.

3.8 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by David Berlinski

Explore all 41 David Berlinski quotes

More Achievement quotes

Browse all 3,867 Achievement quotes