Certainty Quote by Will Durant

“Inquiry is fatal to certainty.”

Will Durant

About This Quote

Source Book: The Story of Civilization, Volume 1, 1935

Questioning leads to doubt, challenging absolute certainty.

In simple terms: Inquiry undermines certainty.

Key Takeaway

Accept uncertainty as a catalyst for learning.

Themes

philosophy knowledge skepticism critical thinking

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive analytical

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

academic research
personal decision‑making
debate forums

Key Concepts

epistemology dialectic intellectual humility

Questions to Reflect On

When is certainty useful?
How to balance inquiry with decision?

A Different Perspective

Excessive doubt can paralyze action.

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Certainty Doubt Fatal Fatal Certainty Inquiry Inquiry Fatal Research

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