This quote emphasizes the importance of authenticity and integrity in sharing knowledge. It suggests that when a person writes a book, or shares any kind of information, they should only include what they truly understand and have experienced. The reasoning behind this is to avoid spreading misinformation or assumptions, which can mislead others. Goethe’s quote is a plea for genuine, first-hand knowledge instead of conjectures or guesses.
The second part of the quote, “I have guesses enough of my own,” implies that the reader, or the receiver of the information, already has their own assumptions and conjectures. They are seeking out books or sources of information to gain concrete knowledge, not to be fed more guesses.
In today’s world, this quote is incredibly relevant. With the rise of the internet and social media, misinformation spreads easily and quickly. People often share information without verifying its authenticity, leading to the propagation of ‘fake news’. Goethe’s quote is a reminder to us all to be responsible and careful in sharing information. We should strive to share only what we know to be true, rather than contributing to the noise of unverified ‘guesses’ that already exist.
In terms of personal development, this quote can be seen as a call to seek genuine knowledge and wisdom. It encourages us to distinguish between what we know and what we assume, and to value the former over the latter. This could mean seeking out reliable sources of information, questioning our assumptions, and being open to changing our views based on new knowledge. It also encourages us to be honest and authentic in what we share with others, whether that’s in personal conversations, in our work, or on social media.
