It is always important in matters of high politics to know what you do not know. Those who think they know, but are mistaken, and act upon their mistakes, are the most dangerous people to have in charge.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- In high politics, acknowledging ignorance is safer than acting on false certainty.
- In plain terms
- Knowing what you don't know prevents dangerous mistakes.
- What can you take from it?
- Avoid acting on assumptions in critical decisions.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When did assuming knowledge hurt a project?
- How do you verify your knowledge?
Another view
Overemphasis on uncertainty can lead to paralysis in action.
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