Skip to content

Knowledge Quote by David Hilbert

“For us there is no ignorabimus, and in my opinion none whatever in natural science. In opposition to the foolish ignorabimus our slogan shall be: "We must know - we will know!"” quote by David Hilbert
Download Open image
“For us there is no ignorabimus, and in my opinion none whatever in natural science. In opposition to the foolish ignorabimus our slogan shall be: "We must know - we will know!"”

David Hilbert

About This Quote

Source Speech: Address to the International Congress of Mathematicians, 1930

Hilbert asserts that there are no unknowable truths in natural science and declares a confident slogan of human knowledge.

In simple terms: Science can eventually know everything; we must pursue knowledge.

Key Takeaway

Pursue knowledge without accepting ignorance.

Themes

science knowledge humanism optimism

Mood

determined hopeful

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • research
  • education
  • policy making
  • public discourse

Key Concepts

philosophy of science epistemology determination

Questions to Reflect On

  • What limits might we face in scientific discovery?
  • How does optimism shape scientific progress?
A Different Perspective

Some scientific questions may remain inherently unsolvable.

3.6 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by David Hilbert

Explore all 53 David Hilbert quotes

More Knowledge quotes

Browse all 13,227 Knowledge quotes