The real problems of our planet are not economic or technical, they are philosophical. The philosophy of unbridled materialism is being challenged by events.
E. F. SchumacherRead
If I limit myself to knowledge that I consider true beyond doubt, I minimize the risk of error but I maximize, at the same time, the risk of missing out on what may be the subtlest, most important and most rewarding things in life.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Holding onto beliefs without question can prevent you from discovering valuable insights and experiences.
This quote by E. F. Schumacher highlights the tension between the comfort of certainty and the potential richness of questioning one's beliefs. While adhering strictly to what one believes to be true can reduce the chance of mistakes, it also limits the possibilities of discovering new and rewarding experiences that lie outside of established beliefs. The quote encourages a balance between skepticism and openness to new ideas.
Themes
KnowledgeDoubtWisdomDiscoveryExperience
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the value of lifelong learning.
More from E. F. Schumacher
All quotes βThe substance of man cannot be measured by Gross National Product.
E. F. SchumacherRead
The printing press is either the greatest blessing or the greatest curse of modern times, sometimes one forgets which it is.
E. F. SchumacherRead
By means of trees, wildlife could be conserved, pollution decreased, and the beauty of our landscapes enhanced. This is the way, or at least one of the ways, to spiritual, moral, and cultural regeneration.
E. F. SchumacherRead
We still have to learn how to live peacefully, not only with our fellow men but also with nature and, above all, with those Higher Powers which have made nature and have made us; for, assuredly, we have not come about by accident and certainly have not made ourselves
E. F. SchumacherRead
The heart of the matter, as I see it, is the stark fact that world poverty is primarily a problem of two million villages, and thus a problem of two thousand million villagers.
E. F. SchumacherRead
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Experience without theory is blind, but theory without experience is mere intellectual play.
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Our suffering is not worthy the name of suffering. When I consider my crosses, tribulations, and temptations, I shame myself almost to death, thinking what are they in _x000D_ comparison of the sufferings of my blessed Savior Christ Jesus.
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God much are the truly wealthy. So our inner happiness depends not on what we experience but on the degree of our gratitude to God, Gratitude β the Secret of Life.
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Pride comes from not knowing yourself and the world. The older you grow, and the more you see, the less reason you will find for being proud. Ignorance and inexperience are the pedestal of pride; once the pedestal is removed - pride will soon come down.
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With six weeks' worth of recuperation time, you'll also be able to see any glaring holes in the plot or character development. And listen--if you spot a few of these big holes, you are forbidden to feel depressed about them or to beat up on yourself. Screw-ups happen to the best of us.
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