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About this quote

What does it mean?
Mistakes come from false certainties, not from ignorance.
In plain terms
Being sure of wrong things leads to trouble.
What can you take from it?
Question confident assumptions.

Where it applies

  • scientific research
  • business strategy

Putting it to work

  • challenge beliefs
  • seek evidence

Questions to consider

  • How can we detect false confidence?
  • When should we embrace uncertainty?

Another view

Sometimes ignorance can be more dangerous if it leads to reckless actions.

More from Samuel Langhorne Clemens

  1. A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval.

    Permalink to quote #161
  2. There is something worse than ignorance, and that's knowing what ain't so.

    Permalink to quote #163
  3. Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes time and annoys the pig.

    Permalink to quote #160

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