Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Finite humans struggle to fully grasp infinite subjects.
In plain terms
We can't fully understand infinite things with our limited minds.
What can you take from it?
Accept limits when discussing boundless topics.

Where it applies

  • philosophical discussion
  • scientific inquiry
  • theological debate

Putting it to work

  • humility in learning
  • managing expectations
  • research boundaries

Questions to consider

  • What limits your understanding?
  • Is complete knowledge possible?

Another view

Some argue human cognition can approximate infinite concepts adequately.

More from Herman Melville

  1. The truth seems to be, that like many other geniuses, this Man of Mosses takes great delight in hoodwinking the world,-at least, with respect to himself. Perso…

    Permalink to quote #23
  2. I found that but to glean after this man, is better than to be in at the harvest of others.

    Permalink to quote #22
  3. There are some strange summer mornings in the country, when he who is but a sojourner from the city shall early walk forth into the fields, and be wonder-smitt…

    Permalink to quote #26

Related quotes

  1. As they say in Discworld, we are trying to unravel the Mighty Infinite using a language which was designed to tell one another where the fresh fruit was.

    Terry PratchettTerry Pratchett quote #4
  2. The truth is really an ambition which is beyond us.

    Peter UstinovPeter Ustinov quote #5
  3. Science is not religion. We're not going to be able to answer the 'why' questions. But when you put together all of what we know about the universe, it fits to…

    Lisa RandallLisa Randall quote #9