Certain Quote by Jacob Bronowski
“All those formal systems, in mathematics and physics and the philosophy of science, which claim to give foundations for certain truth are surely mistaken. I am tempted to say that we do not look for truth, but for knowledge. But I dislike this form of words, for two reasons. First of all, we do look for truth, however we define it, it is what we find that is knowledge. And second, what we fail to find is not truth, but certainty; the nature of truth is exactly the knowledge that we do find.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Ascent of Man, 1973
The quote argues that formal systems claim to provide truth but are flawed; we actually seek knowledge, and truth is what we discover as knowledge, while certainty remains elusive.
In simple terms: Formal systems claim truth but we seek knowledge; truth is discovered knowledge, certainty is missing.
Key Takeaway
Recognize knowledge as truth, accept uncertainty.
Themes
philosophy
epistemology
science
mathematics
truth
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
inquisitive
Type
reflective
critical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- scientific inquiry
- philosophical debate
- education
- policy making
Key Concepts
foundations
certainty
knowledge acquisition
limitations of formalism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we differentiate useful knowledge from mere belief?
- What role does certainty play in scientific progress?
A Different Perspective
Formal systems can still provide useful approximations despite their limits.
![“We believe in all truth, no matter to what subject it may refer. No sect or religious denomination [or, I may say, no searcher of truth] in the world possesses a single principle of truth that we do not accept or that we will reject. We are willing to receive all truth, from whatever source it may…” quote by Joseph F. Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c73/joseph-f-smith-31813_inspirational_we-believe-in-all-truth-no-matter-to-wha_577763.jpg)
