1001Philosophers

Arcesilaus Quotes on Knowledge

Arcesilaus of Pitane was a Greek philosopher and the founder of the New, or skeptical, Academy. This page collects quotes attributed to Arcesilaus on the topic of knowledge, drawn from across the philosopher's works.

Quotes

  • Attributed to Arcesilaus:

    “Suspension of judgment is the only response of the wise to the conflict of appearances.”

  • Attributed to Arcesilaus:

    “The wise man does not assent to anything as certain.”

  • Attributed to Arcesilaus:

    “What is reasonable, not what is certain, guides the conduct of the wise.”

  • Attributed to Arcesilaus:

    “On every question two opposite arguments can be advanced with equal force.”

  • Attributed to Arcesilaus:

    “Nothing is more shameful than that assent and approval should outrun knowledge.”