Absolute truth Quote by Yuval Noah Harari
““Every religion, ideology and creed has its shadow, and no matter which creed you follow you should acknowledge your shadow and avoid the naïve reassurance that ‘it cannot happen to us’. Secular science has at least one big advantage over most traditional religions, namely that it is not terrified of its shadow, and it is in principle willing to admit its mistakes and blind spots. If you believe in an absolute truth revealed by a transcendent power, you cannot allow yourself to admit any error – for that would nullify your whole story. But if you believe in a quest for truth by fallible humans, admitting blunders is an inherent part of the game.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Homo Deus by Yuval Noah Harari, 2015
Acknowledging our own biases and errors is essential for genuine progress, unlike doctrines that deny human fallibility.
In simple terms: Recognize and admit mistakes to grow.
Key Takeaway
Embrace humility and self‑critique.
Themes
humility
critical thinking
science
religion
truth
Mood
reflective
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal development
- academic research
- policy making
- public discourse
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
epistemic humility
self‑deception
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you confront your own blind spots?
- What practices help you stay open to error?
A Different Perspective
Denial of shadow can lead to dogmatism and conflict.
