Creed Quote by Robert Green Ingersoll
“Upon the great questions of origin, of destiny, of immortality, of . . . other worlds, every honest man must say, 'I do not know.' Upon these questions, this is the creed of intelligence.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Lecture on Philosophy, 1885
One must admit uncertainty about fundamental questions, embracing humility as a sign of intelligence.
In simple terms: Admit not knowing big questions.
Key Takeaway
Accept uncertainty as intellectual honesty.
Themes
humility
knowledge
philosophy
inquiry
intelligence
Mood
contemplative
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- personal reflection
- scientific research
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
epistemic humility
skepticism
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- What does uncertainty teach you?
- How can doubt drive learning?
A Different Perspective
Some view uncertainty as weakness.
![“There exists indeed an opposition to it [ building of UVA, Jefferson's secular college ] by the friends of William and Mary, which is not strong. The most restive is that of the priests of the different religious sects, who dread the advance of science as witches do the approach of day-light; and…” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/74e/thomas-jefferson-43_clergy_there-exists-indeed-an-opposition-to-it_137072.jpg)
