Certainty Quote by Peter Elbow
“Certainty is rarely if ever possible and we increase the likelihood of getting things wrong if we succumb to the hunger for it.”
About This Quote
Seeking absolute certainty is impossible and can lead to errors; accepting uncertainty reduces the drive to find false certainty.
In simple terms: Certainty is unattainable and can cause mistakes.
Key Takeaway
Accept uncertainty and stay open‑minded.
Themes
philosophy
decision‑making
psychology
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- research
- business strategy
- personal choices
- education
Key Concepts
epistemic humility
risk assessment
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it okay to act without full certainty?
- How do you balance confidence with humility?
A Different Perspective
Overconfidence may still be useful in some contexts.
![“[I]f in other sciences we should arrive at certainty without doubt and truth without error, it behooves us to place the foundations of knowledge in mathematics, in so far as disposed through it we are able to reach certainty in other sciences and truth by the exclusion of error.” quote by Roger Bacon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d13/roger-bacon-15067_able_i-f-in-other-sciences-we-should-arrive-a_24209.jpg)