We can’t have full knowledge all at once. We must start by believing; then afterwards we may be led on to master the evidence for ourselves.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote speaks to the nature of acquiring knowledge and the importance of an open and inquisitive mindset. It suggests that it is not always possible to have complete understanding from the start, and that the process of gaining knowledge often begins with belief and trust, allowing us to explore and uncover evidence along the way.
The quote acknowledges that we cannot instantly possess all the knowledge and evidence about a particular subject or concept. Instead, it encourages us to start by believing in something, be it an idea, theory, or principle. Belief acts as a foundation upon which we can build our understanding and curiosity.
By embracing belief, we open ourselves to exploration and further investigation. It implies that through active engagement and inquiry, we have the opportunity to seek and gather evidence, deepening our knowledge and refining our understanding. This process allows us to test and evaluate our initial beliefs, gradually developing a more comprehensive and well-informed perspective.
The quote highlights the importance of a balanced approach to acquiring knowledge—one that combines open-mindedness with critical thinking. It encourages us to maintain a willingness to believe and explore while also seeking and evaluating evidence for ourselves. This approach fosters intellectual growth, enabling us to expand our understanding and refine our beliefs based on reliable evidence and reasoned analysis.
In summary, this quote underscores the dynamic process of acquiring knowledge. It emphasizes the role of belief as a starting point, enabling us to explore and investigate further. It encourages a balanced approach that combines belief with the pursuit of evidence, allowing us to continually refine our understanding and deepen our knowledge over time.
Who said the quote?
The quote "We can't have full knowledge all at once. We must start by believing; then afterwards we may be led on to master the evidence for ourselves." was said by Thomas Aquinas (Bio / Quotes). Thomas Aquinas was a medieval Italian philosopher and theologian who is best known for his work "Summa Theologica.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
One historical example that illustrates this quote is the journey of early astronomers like Galileo Galilei during the Renaissance. Galileo, an Italian scientist, was one of the first to challenge the prevailing geocentric model of the universe, which placed Earth at the center. He believed in the heliocentric model proposed by Copernicus, which posited that the Earth and other planets orbit the Sun.
Initially, Galileo's ideas were based on the belief that the heliocentric model was a more plausible explanation of the observed celestial phenomena. He did not have full empirical evidence to support this theory right away. His belief in the model led him to make detailed observations using his telescope, which he had recently improved. Through his observations, such as the phases of Venus and the moons of Jupiter, he gathered evidence that supported the heliocentric theory.
Galileo's journey exemplifies the quote’s message: he started with the belief that the heliocentric model could be true, and his ongoing observations and experiments eventually allowed him to accumulate evidence that validated his initial belief. His work was crucial in advancing the scientific revolution, showing that progress in understanding often begins with faith in a concept that is then substantiated through evidence.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
In real life, the quote can be applied to the process of learning and personal growth. For example, consider someone who aspires to become a successful entrepreneur. Initially, they might not have comprehensive knowledge about business management, market dynamics, or financial strategies. They start with a belief in their idea or vision for a business. This belief is crucial because it fuels their motivation and commitment to learning and development.
As they begin their entrepreneurial journey, they might take various steps to build their understanding, such as attending workshops, seeking advice from mentors, and experimenting with different strategies. Each of these actions is grounded in their initial belief that their idea can succeed. Over time, through these experiences, they gather evidence, refine their strategies, and develop a deeper, more nuanced understanding of their business field.
This approach demonstrates that initial belief and commitment are essential for starting a journey towards mastery. The process of learning and achieving mastery often involves starting with a core belief or hypothesis and then gradually collecting evidence and insights through experience and learning. Thus, the quote highlights the importance of beginning with belief and being open to discovering and mastering knowledge progressively.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
