We can be absolutely certain only about things we do not understand. A doctrine that is understood is shorn of its strength.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Certainty increases as understanding decreases and doctrines lose nuance.
- In plain terms
- People are most sure about things they do not understand.
- What can you take from it?
- Understanding weakens dogmatic certainty.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What do you know least about but feel sure of?
- Why does complexity reduce confidence?
Another view
It ignores cases where expertise leads to justified confidence.
More from Eric Hoffer
It is startling to realize how much unbelief is necessary to make belief possible. What we know as blind faith is sustained by innumerable unbeliefs.
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