and disbelief, involves uncertainty
or distrust
or lack of sureness of an alleged fact
, an action, a motive, or a decision
. Doubt brings into question some notion of a perceived "reality
", and may involve delaying or rejecting relevant action out of concerns for mistakes or faults or appropriateness. Some definitions of doubt emphasize the state in which the mind remains suspended between two contradictory propositions and unable to assent to either of them
(compare paradox
).
The concept of doubt covers a range of phenomena: one can characterise both deliberate questioning of uncertainties and an emotion
al state of indecision as "doubt".
Doubt sometimes tends to call on reason
.
To know much is often the cause of doubting more.
If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties.
Doubt, indeed, is the disease of this inquisitive, restless age. It is the price we pay for our advanced intelligence and civilization. It is the dim night of our resplendent day. But as the most beautiful light is born of darkness, so the faith which springs from conflict is often the strongest and the best.
Doubt is for the dying.
To have doubted one's own first principles is the mark of a civilized man.
To rest upon a formula is a slumber that, prolonged, means death.
Doubt comes in at the window when inquiry is denied at the door.
Doubt indulged soon becomes doubt realized.