“The instruments for the quest of truth are as simple as they are difficult. They may appear quite impossible to an arrogant person, and quite possible to an innocent child.”
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Probable attribution
This saying is widely associated with Mahatma Gandhi, but the attribution is not supported by a reliable primary source.
Likely origin: Gandhi, An Autobiography: The Story of My Experiments with Truth (concluding 'Farewell' chapter, on the instruments for the quest of truth).
About this quote
The tools for finding truth are simple to name but hard to use, because they ask for humility more than cleverness. Pride blocks them — someone certain they are already right can't learn — while an open, unguarded mind takes to them naturally. What's needed is the willingness to admit you might be wrong.
When to use it
- A seasoned expert who can't take feedback losing out to a beginner who keeps asking questions.
- Saying 'I don't know' in a meeting and actually walking away having learned something.
- A student who drops the need to look smart and finally understands the hard material.