“We know accurately only when we know little, with knowledge doubt increases.”
- August 28, 1749 – March 22, 1832
- German
- Poet, playwright, novelist, philosopher, politician
- His literary works “Faust” and “The Sorrows of Young Werther” had a major impact on world literature.
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Quote
“We know accurately only when we know little, with knowledge doubt increases.”
Explanation
Goethe suggests that when we know little, our understanding of the world is clear-cut and simple, often leading to greater confidence in our beliefs or perceptions. However, as we acquire more knowledge, we become more aware of the complexity of the world, and this awareness brings about doubt. The more we learn, the more we realize how much we do not know, which can lead to questioning our previous assumptions or certainty. This idea reflects the idea that wisdom often comes with the understanding that our knowledge is always limited and subject to change.
Historically, this idea resonates with the philosophical and scientific explorations of uncertainty and complexity during Goethe’s time. The Enlightenment period, while celebrating reason and knowledge, also acknowledged the limits of human understanding. As individuals expanded their intellectual horizons, they encountered a broader range of questions and complexities, leading to more doubts and uncertainties rather than simple answers.
In modern times, this concept is highly relevant in fields like science and philosophy, where experts often find that deeper exploration into a subject reveals more questions than answers. For instance, scientific discovery frequently leads to new theories, but also to a deeper recognition of the limitations of our understanding. As we learn more about the universe, we find that our knowledge is always in flux, and the more we discover, the more we realize how little we truly know.
Goethe’s words remind us that doubt is not a weakness but an integral part of the process of learning. It encourages us to embrace the idea that knowledge does not bring ultimate certainty, but rather invites us to engage with the complexity and uncertainty of the world.
