The Quotes canon
Sourced and curated.
Every quote has been curated by hand and carefully authenticated.
Browse all 10,075 quotes or apply filters in different categories to narrow your search.
Browse all 10,075 quotes or apply filters in different categories to narrow your search.
Philosophical literature4 quotes
I know that I do not know. — Socrates · 399 BCThere is no such thing as absolute certainty, but there is assurance sufficient for the purposes of human life. — John Stuart Mill · 1859What is the first business of one who practices philosophy? To get rid of self-conceit. For it is impossible for anyone to begin to learn that which he thinks he already knows. — Epictetus · 108If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties. — Francis Bacon · 1605Comedic play1 quote
'Tis impossible to be sure of any thing but death and taxes. — Christopher Bullock · 1716Political literature1 quote
There is no such thing as absolute certainty, but there is assurance sufficient for the purposes of human life. — John Stuart Mill · 1859Psychological literature1 quote
Objective evidence and certitude are doubtless very fine ideals to play with, but where on this moonlit and dream-visited planet are they found? — William James · 1896Religious literature1 quote
Objective evidence and certitude are doubtless very fine ideals to play with, but where on this moonlit and dream-visited planet are they found? — William James · 1896Scientific literature1 quote
The only certainty is that nothing is certain. — Pliny the Elder · 77 BCTravel writing1 quote
Human beings are perhaps never more frightening than when they are convinced beyond doubt that they are right. — Laurens van der Post · 1958