The phrase “in all things, be objective, in all else, be reasonable, in nothing, be certain” is a warning against one of the most seductive traps of the human mind: certainty. It does not reject truth, principles, or judgment. Instead, it reminds us that how we hold our beliefs matters just as much as what those beliefs are.
To be objective in all things is to treat reality as something to be observed, not negotiated. Objectivity asks you to look at outcomes instead of intentions, patterns instead of anecdotes, and evidence instead of emotion. It requires a willingness to see what is actually happening, even when that reality is inconvenient or uncomfortable. This is the foundation of clear thinking, because without an accurate understanding of reality, every decision that follows is built on unstable ground.
Yet life rarely rewards pure analysis alone. Once reality is understood, action must follow, and action exists within human limits. This is where reasonableness enters. Being reasonable means accounting for context, tradeoffs, and imperfect conditions. It means understanding that people make mistakes, systems have constraints, and timing matters. Reasonableness is the skill of applying truth in a way that produces progress rather than resistance. It allows objectivity to function in the real world rather than remain trapped in theory.
The final principle, to be certain of nothing, is not a call to indecision or passivity. It is a call to humility. Certainty closes the door to learning. When someone is certain, new information is filtered not for accuracy but for compatibility. Challenges are dismissed, contradictions are rationalized, and growth slows to a halt. Certainty feels strong, but it is often a signal that thinking has stopped.
Refusing certainty keeps the mind flexible. It allows beliefs to evolve as evidence changes. It creates room for correction without shame. This does not mean abandoning standards or values. It means recognizing that even the best models of reality are incomplete. The world is complex, and no perspective captures it fully. Staying uncertain is not about doubting everything, but about remembering that your current understanding is provisional.
When objectivity, reasonableness, and uncertainty work together, they form a powerful balance. Objectivity keeps you aligned with truth. Reasonableness keeps you effective in action. Uncertainty keeps you adaptable over time. Remove any one of these, and the system breaks. Without objectivity, emotion takes over. Without reasonableness, rigidity dominates. Without uncertainty, dogma forms.
This way of thinking is especially valuable in a world that rewards confidence over accuracy. Loud certainty often attracts attention, but quiet adaptability wins in the long run. Those who remain open to revision are better equipped to navigate change, resolve conflict, and make decisions that endure beyond the moment.
“In all things, be objective, in all else, be reasonable, in nothing, be certain” is not an excuse for hesitation. It is a discipline of thought. It asks you to see clearly, act wisely, and never confuse confidence with truth. That discipline is rare, and it is precisely what makes it powerful.
