Certainties are arrived at only on foot.
—Antonio Porchia (1885–1968) Italian Poet
Inquiry is fatal to certainty.
—Will Durant (1885–1981) American Historian, Philosopher, Memoirist, Socialist
In these matters the only certainty is that nothing is certain.
—Pliny the Elder (23–79) Roman Statesman, Scholar
The more I see the less I know for sure.
—John Lennon (1940–80) British Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Activist
He who is certain he knows the ending of things when he is only beginning them is either extremely wise or extremely foolish; no matter which is true, he is certainly an unhappy man, for he has put a knife in the heart of wonder.
—Ted Williams (1918–2002) American Sportsperson
Positiveness is a most absurd foible. If you are in the right, it lessens your triumph; if in the wrong, it adds shame to your defeat.
—Laurence Sterne (1713–68) Irish Anglican Novelist, Clergyman
I tore myself away from the safe comfort of certainties through my love for truth — and truth rewarded me.
—Simone de Beauvoir (1908–86) French Philosopher, Writer, Feminist
There is no such uncertainty as a sure thing.
—Robert Burns (1759–96) Scottish Poet, Songwriter
When we are not sure, we are alive.
—Graham Greene (1904–91) British Novelist, Playwright, Short Story Writer