Certainty Quote by Robert Rubin

“The only certainty is that there is no certainty.”

Robert Rubin

About This Quote

Source Interview: Financial Times, Robert Rubin, 2008

Certainty is an illusion; the only constant is uncertainty.

In simple terms: There is no certainty.

Key Takeaway

Accept uncertainty.

Themes

uncertainty philosophy economics

Mood

cautious thoughtful

Type

practical philosophical

When to use this quote

investment decisions
policy planning
personal choices

Key Concepts

risk management epistemology

Questions to Reflect On

How do you handle uncertainty?
What strategies mitigate unpredictable outcomes?

A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on uncertainty may cause paralysis.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4.4 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Robert Rubin

Any individual decisions can be badly thought through, and yet be successful, or exceedingly well thought through, but be unsuccessful, because the recognized possibility…

Robert Rubin

Image

Some people are more certain of everything than I am of anything.

Robert Rubin

Image

In terms of myself, I said from the very beginning that I wanted to work in the management of Citigroup and I didn't want…

Robert Rubin

Image

Here at home, ... while the most likely scenario remains solid growth and low inflation -- subject to the usual ups and downs --…

Robert Rubin

Image

We simply cannot afford any further delay in providing the IMF with the resources it requires to help contain the threat of further financial…

Robert Rubin

Image

First, the only certainty is that there is no certainty. Second, every decision, as a consequence, is a matter of weighing probabilities. Third, despite…

Robert Rubin

Image

All of us as consumers have gotten spoiled, ... We expect customized goods and services at commodity prices. The only way we can do…

Robert Rubin

Image

Rigor is always appropriate when investing in markets, whatever the ultimate conclusions may be.

Robert Rubin

Image

We do not face a choice between protecting our environment or protecting our economy. We face a choice between protecting our economy by protecting…

Robert Rubin

Image

A strong currency means that American consumers and businesses can buy imported goods and services more cheaply and that inflation and interest rates will…

Robert Rubin

Image

To be manager of the Yankees under the malevolent dictatorship of George Steinbrenner is like being married to Zsa Zsa Gabor - the union…

Robert Rubin

Image

I don't have a distaste for ambiguity, in fact, ambiguity is what I think life is all about.

Robert Rubin

Image

Explore all 15 Robert Rubin quotes

More Certainty quotes

A common fallacy in much of the adverse criticism to which science is subjected today is that it claims certainty, infallibility and complete emotional…

Cyril Norman Hinshelwood

Image

Sometimes we have the absolute certainty there's something inside us that's so hideous and monstrous that if we ever search it out we won't…

Hubert Selby, Jr

Image

The past and the future become unimportant. There is only that moment, and the incredible certainty that everything under the sun has been written…

Paulo Coelho

Image

In the mental disturbance and effort of writing, what sustains you is the certainty that on every page there is something left unsaid.

Cesare Pavese

Image

Of course I doubt. I do not practice a certainty. I practice a faith.

Robert Breault

Image

The world is a wonderfully weird place, consensual reality is significantly flawed, no institution can be trusted, certainty is a mirage, security a delusion,…

Tom Robbins

Image

As a businessman, I know that businesses need certainty.

Bill Foster

Image

It is suggested that in domestic violence at least the presence or absence of a firearm, or of any other type of weapon, is…

Colin Greenwood

Image

Every single person who is a member of our party deserves to have certainty. They deserve to know that my attention and focus is…

Annamie Paul

Image

The significance and volume of repairs that are needed across the country demand that we give state and local governments the long-term certainty they…

Sam Graves