Attitude Quote by Karl Popper
“We do not know anything - this is the first. Therefore, we should be very modest - this is the second. Not to claim that we do know when we do not - this is the third. That's the kind of attitude I'd like to popularize. There is little hope for success.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Conjectures and Refutations, Karl Popper, 1963
A humble stance acknowledges our ignorance, prevents overconfidence, and encourages open inquiry.
In simple terms: Admit ignorance, stay modest, keep questioning.
Key Takeaway
Embrace humility, avoid false certainty.
Themes
humility
science
inquiry
skepticism
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- research
- teaching
- public discourse
- policy making
- personal growth
Key Concepts
Fallibilism
critical rationalism
epistemic humility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance humility with confidence?
- When should you assert knowledge?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on modesty may hinder decisive action when evidence is strong.
![“She [Evelina] is not, indeed, like most modern young ladies; to be known in half an hour; her modest worth, and fearful excellence, require both time and encouragement to show themselves.” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0e7/anonymous-1_encouragement_she-evelina-is-not-indeed-like-most-mode_35617.jpg)
![“[The aim of science is] to explain what so far has taken to be an explicans, such as a law of nature. The task of empirical science constantly renews itself. We may go on forever, proceeding to explanations of a higher and higher universality...” quote by Karl Popper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f4e/karl-popper-2167_aim_the-aim-of-science-is-to-explain-what-so_121944.jpg)
