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About this quote

What does it mean?
When asked for opinions, share your beliefs, acknowledging your own doubts.
In plain terms
Tell me what you believe, not just your opinion, and admit doubts.
What can you take from it?
Be honest about beliefs and uncertainties in discussions.

Where it applies

  • debates
  • personal conversations

Putting it to work

  • state convictions
  • admit uncertainty

Questions to consider

  • How do you balance confidence and doubt when speaking?

Another view

Some may prefer concise opinions over detailed beliefs.

More from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

  1. If Switzerland were flat as a pancake, it would be larger than Prussia.

    Permalink to quote #116
  2. In art the best is good enough.

    Permalink to quote #118
  3. If I accept you as you are, I will make you worse; however if I treat you as though you are what you are capable of becoming, I help you become that.

    Permalink to quote #115

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