Choices Quote by Leo Strauss
“According to our social science, we can be or become wise in all matters of secondary importance, but we have to be resigned to utter ignorance in the most important respect: we cannot have any knowledge regarding the ultimate principles of our choices, i.e. regarding their soundness or unsoundness... We are then in the position of beings who are sane and sober when engaged in trivial business and who gamble like madmen when confronted with serious issues.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Political Philosophy, 1970s, null
We can be knowledgeable about minor matters yet remain ignorant of the ultimate principles that guide our most important choices, leading to reckless decisions in serious matters.
In simple terms: We know trivial things but lack deep understanding of core values, causing poor judgments.
Key Takeaway
Seek deeper insight into fundamental values before acting.
Themes
knowledge
humility
decision‑making
Mood
analytical
serious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- career planning
- public policy
- personal ethics
Key Concepts
political philosophy
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- What core principles do you overlook?
- How can you balance practical knowledge with deeper wisdom?
A Different Perspective
The claim may overgeneralize human rationality.
![“The emancipation of the scholars and scientists from philosophy is according to [Nietzsche] only a part of the democratic movement, i.e. of the emancipation of the low from subordination to the high. ... The plebeian character of the contemporary scholar or scientist is due to the fact that he has…” quote by Leo Strauss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/76a/leo-strauss-12446_character_the-emancipation-of-the-scholars-and-sci_389563.jpg)
