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About this quote

What does it mean?
Those who are most skeptical or uncertain tend to make fewer mistakes than those who are overly confident.
In plain terms
Doubt helps avoid errors.
What can you take from it?
Questioning assumptions prevents mistakes.

Where it applies

  • decision making
  • learning
  • debate

Putting it to work

  • question assumptions
  • stay curious

Questions to consider

  • Is certainty dangerous?
  • How much doubt is healthy?

Another view

Too much doubt can paralyze action.

More from Samuel Richardson

  1. O! what a Godlike Power is that of doing Good! - I envy the Rich and the Great for nothing else!

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  2. That dangerous but too commonly received notion, that a reformed rake makes the best husband.

    Permalink to quote #3
  3. The person who will bear much shall have much to bear, all the world through.

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