There is but one indefectibly certain truth, and that is the truth that pyrrhonistic scepticism itself leaves standing, - the truth that the present phenomenon of consciousness exists.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker asserts that the only certain truth is that skepticism itself exists, confirming consciousness.
- In plain terms
- The sure thing is that we are conscious and skeptical.
- What can you take from it?
- Accept consciousness as a fundamental datum.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What other truths can we claim?
- How does skepticism shape knowledge?
Another view
It may be too narrow to claim only this truth.
More from William James
The most any one can do is to confess as candidly as he can the grounds for the faith that is in him, and leave his example to work on others as it may.
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