If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts he shall end in certainties.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Starting with certainty leads to doubt, but starting with doubt leads to certainty.
- In plain terms
- Begin with questions to find answers, not with answers.
- What can you take from it?
- Embrace uncertainty to reach solid conclusions.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is doubt always productive?
- How do you start without certainty?
Another view
Some certainty is needed to begin action.
More from Francis Bacon
Time, which is the author of authors.
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Permalink to quote #17 For all knowledge and wonder (which is the seed of knowledge) is an impression of pleasure in itself.
Permalink to quote #14
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