Bewilderment Quote by Noam Chomsky
“Our ignorance can be divided into problems and mysteries. When we face a problem, we may not know its solution, but we have insight, increasing knowledge, and an inkling of what we are looking for. When we face a mystery, however, we can only stare in wonder and bewilderment, not knowing what an explanation would even look like.”
About This Quote
Distinguishes between problems, which have solvable aspects, and mysteries, which are beyond current understanding, highlighting different cognitive approaches.
In simple terms: Problems can be solved; mysteries remain unknown.
Key Takeaway
Apply appropriate strategies to each type.
Themes
knowledge
uncertainty
problem solving
Mood
inquisitive
analytical
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- research
- education
- scientific inquiry
Key Concepts
epistemology
cognitive science
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate a problem from a mystery?
- What methods help turn mystery into problem?
A Different Perspective
Mysteries may become problems with new information.
![“I wrote an article about the marine landing [in Haiti] right away, but barely mentioned the oil, because my article would come out two months later and I assumed by then, "of course, everybody knows." Nobody knew. There was a news report in the Wall Street Journal, in the petroleum journals, and…” quote by Noam Chomsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dc5/noam-chomsky-42_articles_i-wrote-an-article-about-the-marine-land_13341.jpg)
