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The only thing certain is nothing is certain.
Michel De Montaigne
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote expresses the idea that uncertainty is a fundamental aspect of life.

Michel De Montaigne's quote highlights the nature of reality, suggesting that absolute certainty is an illusion. In our constantly changing world, the only true certainty we can rely on is the existence of uncertainty itself, prompting us to embrace flexibility and adaptability in our thoughts and actions.

Themes

UncertaintyLifePhilosophyTruthKnowledge

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about risk management, this quote can emphasize the importance of preparing for the unexpected.

More from Michel De Montaigne

All the world knows me in my book, and my book in me.
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All I say is by way of discourse, and nothing by way of advice. I should not speak so boldly if it were my due to be believed.
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Pythagoras used to say that life resembles the Olympic Games: a few people strain their muscles to carry off a prize; others bring trinkets to sell to the crowd for gain; and some there are, and not the worst, who seek no other profit than to look at the show and see how and why everything is done; spectators of the life of other people in order to judge and regulate their own.
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There is not much less vexation in the government of a private family than in the managing of an entire state.
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Those who have compared our life to a dream were right... we were sleeping wake, and waking sleep.
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Such as are in immediate fear of a losing their estates, of banishment, or of slavery, live in perpetual anguish, and lose all appetite and repose; whereas such as are actually poor, slaves, or exiles, ofttimes live as merrily as other folk.
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