Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
The subject admits ignorance when unsure but is reliable when certain.
In plain terms
He admits when he does not know but is right when he claims he does.
What can you take from it?
Honesty about uncertainty builds credibility.

Where it applies

  • leadership
  • expert advice

Putting it to work

  • advisory roles
  • research

Questions to consider

  • Are you honest about what you do not know?

Another view

Being sure does not always mean being right.

More from Orson Scott Card

  1. You were such a promising boy. Of all the tragedies this lifelong war between brothers has caused, you are the saddest one of all

    Permalink to quote #436
  2. How can we ever know what's true? We can't. That's what I figured out a long time ago. So you don't believe in anything? I believe in everything that seems tru…

    Permalink to quote #438
  3. We're going to have to have a long talk about priorities before long

    Permalink to quote #435

Related quotes

  1. The only certainty is that nothing is certain.

    Pliny the ElderPliny the Elder quote #3
  2. We may not know the whole story in our lifetime.

    Earl WarrenEarl Warren quote #5
  3. Knowledge: 'True meaning is an apparition. Life is complex and full of illusions. Absolute understanding in this life is unattainable, and time without profoun…

    Bryant McGillBryant McGill quote #27