--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Each new ontological theory, propounded…" description: "\"Each new ontological theory, propounded in lieu of previous ones shown to be untenable, has been followed by a new criticism leading to a new scepticis..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d15/herbert-spencer-1765_appearance_each-new-ontological-theory-propounded-i_1960420.jpg" --- # Each new ontological theory, propounded in lieu of… ![“Each new ontological theory, propounded in lieu of previous ones shown to be untenable, has been followed by a new criticism leading to a new scepticism. All possible conceptions have been one by one tried and found wanting; and so the entire field of speculation has been gradually exhausted…” quote by Herbert Spencer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d15/herbert-spencer-1765_appearance_each-new-ontological-theory-propounded-i_1960420.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d15/herbert-spencer-1765_appearance_each-new-ontological-theory-propounded-i_1960420.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d15/herbert-spencer-1765_appearance_each-new-ontological-theory-propounded-i_1960420.jpg) > “Each new ontological theory, propounded in lieu of previous ones shown to be untenable, has been followed by a new criticism leading to a new scepticism. All possible conceptions have been one by one tried and found wanting; and so the entire field of speculation has been gradually exhausted without positive result: the only result reached being the negative one above stated, that the reality existing behind all appearances is, and must ever be, unknown.” [Herbert Spencer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herbert-spencer/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Philosophical attempts to explain reality have repeatedly failed, leaving only the conclusion that ultimate truth remains unknown. **In simple terms:** Philosophical theories often end in uncertainty. Key Takeaway Embrace uncertainty in knowledge. Themes philosophy skepticism epistemology Mood reflective skeptical Type philosophical critical When to use this quote - academic research - personal belief formation - public discourse Key Concepts metaphysics critical thinking historical analysis Questions to Reflect On - How does uncertainty shape inquiry? - Can we find value in not knowing? A Different Perspective Some may view this as nihilistic, discouraging inquiry. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Conception](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conception/) [Criticism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/criticism/) [Positive results](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/positive-results/) [Reality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reality/) [Scepticism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/scepticism/) [Speculation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/speculation/) ## Related quotes > [Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/willie-nelson/once-you-replace-negative-thoughts-with-positive-ones-you-ll-start/) [Willie Nelson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/willie-nelson/) > [If you think in positive terms, you will achieve positive results.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/if-you-think-in-positive-terms-you-will-achieve-positive-results/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) > [Working on a weakness within a strength zone will always produce positive results. 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