There is no more miserable human being than one in whom nothing is habitual but indecision.
Source: Psychology: Briefer Course (1892)
Topic
Doubt in this collection occupies the interesting space between paralysis and wisdom. Twain's better-keep-your-mouth-shut-and-appear-stupid is the social application: doubt expressed is a vulnerability; doubt withheld is sometimes indistinguishable from certainty. Tagore on not-crossing-the-sea-by-standing-and-staring is the action argument: doubt as a reason for inaction is a choice, not a condition. Wilde on the young knowing everything identifies the source of most consequential errors: it is not doubt but its absence that destroys. Einstein on not being sure about human stupidity is the cosmic version of doubt applied to the most basic assumptions. Hubbard on the greatest mistake being the continual fear of making one is the most useful entry for practical purposes: doubt about doubt is a second-order problem that requires its own resolution. Twain on telling the truth when in doubt is the counter-intuitive resolution: when uncertain, the least complicated move is the honest one.
There is no more miserable human being than one in whom nothing is habitual but indecision.
The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease for ever to be able to do it.
History fades into fable; fact becomes clouded with doubt and controversy.