Believe those who seek the truth, doubt those who find it; doubt all, but do not doubt yourself

Believe those who seek the truth, doubt those who find it; doubt all, but do not doubt yourself

André Gide, a French author and Nobel Prize winner, was known for his philosophical and existentialist views on truth and self-discovery. The quote “Believe those who seek the truth, doubt those who find it; doubt all, but do not doubt yourself” encapsulates Gide’s belief in the importance of questioning and skepticism in the pursuit of knowledge and self-awareness.

Gide believed that true wisdom comes from a constant search for truth and understanding, rather than blindly accepting the beliefs of others. He valued the process of seeking knowledge and encouraged others to do the same. By believing in those who are actively seeking the truth, Gide emphasized the importance of curiosity and open-mindedness in the quest for knowledge.

On the other hand, Gide cautioned against blindly accepting the beliefs of those who claim to have found the ultimate truth. He believed that true understanding is a complex and ever-evolving process, and that those who claim to have all the answers are often misguided or deluded. By doubting those who claim to have found the truth, Gide encouraged critical thinking and skepticism in the face of dogma and certainty.

However, Gide also recognized the importance of self-confidence and trust in one’s own beliefs and intuition. He believed that while it is important to question and doubt the beliefs of others, it is equally important to trust in oneself and one’s own judgment. By encouraging others to doubt all but not to doubt themselves, Gide emphasized the importance of self-awareness and self-trust in the pursuit of truth and understanding.