Skip to content

Certain Quote by Richard Dawkins

“You can never be absolutely certain that anything doesn't exist. But you can show that it's unlikely.” quote by Richard Dawkins
Download Open image
“You can never be absolutely certain that anything doesn't exist. But you can show that it's unlikely.”

Richard Dawkins

About This Quote

Source Book: The God Delusion, Richard Dawkins, 2006

We cannot prove a negative, but we can argue that the odds against something's existence are high.

In simple terms: We can’t be 100% sure something doesn’t exist, but we can show it’s unlikely.

Key Takeaway

Assess evidence and consider probabilities.

Themes

science philosophy skepticism probability

Mood

analytical skeptical

Type

philosophical scientific

When to use this quote

  • debates on supernatural claims
  • evaluating conspiracy theories
  • scientific research
  • critical thinking

Key Concepts

epistemology burden of proof falsifiability

Questions to Reflect On

  • What evidence would change your assessment?
  • How do you handle uncertainty in decision‑making?
A Different Perspective

Proof of non‑existence is often impossible; uncertainty remains.

3.0 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Richard Dawkins

Explore all 1,239 Richard Dawkins quotes

More Certain quotes

Browse all 13,673 Certain quotes