Doubt Quote by Rene Descartes
“The first precept was never to accept a thing as true until I knew it as such without a single doubt.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Discourse on the Method, 1637
Only accept a proposition as true when it is free of any doubt after personal verification.
In simple terms: Believe only what you can prove beyond doubt.
Key Takeaway
Question everything before accepting.
Themes
skepticism
philosophy
critical thinking
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- personal decision making
- legal evidence
- medical diagnosis
Key Concepts
Cartesian doubt
epistemology
rationalism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance healthy skepticism with practical decision making?
- When is it acceptable to act on incomplete certainty?
A Different Perspective
Doubt can hinder timely action when overapplied.
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