Ambiguity Quote by Derek Bok
“An educated man must have a "curiosity in exploring the unfamiliar and unexpected, an open-mindedness in entertaining opposing points of view, tolerance for the ambiguity that surrounds so many important issues, and a willingness to make the best decisions he can in the face of uncertainty and doubt".”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks on Higher Education, Derek Bok, 1990
An educated person should be curious, open to opposing ideas, tolerant of ambiguity, and capable of making good decisions despite uncertainty.
In simple terms: Education requires curiosity, openness, tolerance, and decisive action amid doubt.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate curiosity and openness to navigate uncertainty.
Themes
curiosity
open-mindedness
tolerance
decision‑making
uncertainty
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
determined
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- policy analysis
- personal growth
- leadership decisions
Key Concepts
critical thinking
epistemic humility
risk assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you handle conflicting evidence?
- What strategies help you decide when facts are unclear?
A Different Perspective
Balancing openness with decisive action can be challenging in high‑stakes situations.
