Concern Quote by Robert M. Gates
“What I know concerns me. What I don't know concerns me even more. What people aren't telling me worries me the most.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: The Burden of Knowledge, 2005
Unknowns cause more anxiety than known facts; lack of information and hidden truths are especially unsettling.
In simple terms: Ignorance and secrecy create worry.
Seek transparency and continuous learning.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy making
- personal decision making
- organizational communication
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we manage uncertainty constructively?
- What mechanisms improve information flow?
Complete certainty is impossible; over‑seeking can cause paralysis.