proverb · Words worth keeping
We know nothing for sure–truth is hidden at the bottom at the well. – Diogenes
We know nothing for sure–truth is hidden at the bottom at the well. – Diogenes
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Knowing nothing for sure and truth hidden in a well express a strong limit on certainty. The supplied wording attributes the statement to Diogenes.
What the words are saying
The attribution and the unusual wording at the bottom at the well are preserved, not independently verified or corrected. A useful qualified reading recognises uncertainty without declaring all evidence worthless. Confidence can differ according to available reasons, and inquiry can still improve understanding.
Everyday example
Someone states what the evidence supports and what remains uncertain rather than claiming either total certainty or total ignorance.
When to use it
Use it as a qualified view of knowledge limits.
What it does not mean
No verified attribution or universal impossibility of justified knowledge is established.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
Greece
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin.- Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference (2014 AD)
Supplied reference B; unit 821; PDF page 73; collection label: Greece
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- Greece