Certainty Quote by David Hume
““To begin with clear and self-evident principles, to advance by timorous and sure steps, to review frequently our conclusions, and examine accurately all their consequences; though by these means we shall make both a slow and a short progress in our systems; are the only methods, by which we can ever hope to reach truth, and attain a proper stability and certainty in our determinations.””
About This Quote
Source Treat: An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, 1748
Methodical, cautious inquiry, frequent review, and precise analysis lead to slow but reliable progress toward truth and stability.
In simple terms: Careful, step‑by‑step analysis builds reliable knowledge.
Key Takeaway
Adopt disciplined, reflective thinking.
Themes
philosophy
methodology
truth
stability
analysis
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
instructional
When to use this quote
- academic research
- policy development
- personal decision making
- scientific investigation
Key Concepts
empiricism
skepticism
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance thoroughness with the need for timely results?
- What safeguards prevent over‑cautiousness?
A Different Perspective
Slow progress may feel frustrating and limit rapid innovation.
![“[I]f in other sciences we should arrive at certainty without doubt and truth without error, it behooves us to place the foundations of knowledge in mathematics, in so far as disposed through it we are able to reach certainty in other sciences and truth by the exclusion of error.” quote by Roger Bacon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d13/roger-bacon-15067_able_i-f-in-other-sciences-we-should-arrive-a_24209.jpg)