Of course there is such a thing as too much doubt, for we ought to accept what is true. But there is also such a thing as proper doubt, for we ought not accept what is false. The possibility of doubt is inherent in the longing to understand, and nothing less than complete and perfect knowledge can satisfy the mind. We do not possess such knowledge here on earth; it is reserved for the beatific vision. Until then, doubt will be with us. This is..why it is so unreasonable to trust only what cannot be doubted, as Descartes proposed, because everything can be doubted. We should believe, not what we cannot doubt, but what we have the best reasons to believe. .J. Budziszewski
About This Quote
Descartes thought that knowledge was possible only through the use of the senses. He believed that man was incapable of knowing anything beyond what he could touch, hear, smell, tastes, and see. Descartes believed that all knowledge came from experience and that reason was incapable of understanding anything that did not come by the senses. Descartes also believed that there were many things that could not be known or proven. He said: “I do not think it necessary to demonstrate to anyone the impossibility of proving all those thoughts which it is impossible for us to demonstrate.”
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