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Assuming Quote by Thomas Nagel

“Humans are addicted to the hope for a final reckoning, but intellectual humility requires that we resist the temptation to assume that tools of the kind we now have are in principle sufficient to understand the universe as a whole.” quote by Thomas Nagel
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“Humans are addicted to the hope for a final reckoning, but intellectual humility requires that we resist the temptation to assume that tools of the kind we now have are in principle sufficient to understand the universe as a whole.”

Thomas Nagel

About This Quote

Source Essay: Limits of scientific understanding, 2005

Humans crave a final reckoning, but humility demands we recognize current tools may be insufficient to grasp the whole universe.

In simple terms: Science may not fully explain everything.

Key Takeaway

Embrace humility in knowledge.

Themes

science humility epistemology

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • research
  • policy making
  • education

Key Concepts

philosophy cosmology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What are the limits of our tools?
  • How does humility shape scientific inquiry?
A Different Perspective

Overconfidence can mislead science.

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