Certainty & Doubt
The Relationship Between Certainty & Doubt Phelps’ view that “certainty” enables one to “accomplish virtually anything” seems in conflict with Russell’s belief that opinions should be measured with “some sense of doubt”. Upon closer examination what is best when making life decisions is a matter of perspective. When weighing certainty versus doubt in the construct of important choices, it is irrefutable that they are different sides of the same coin; without one there cannot be the other. Absolute certainty comes from successful experiences, and doubts are the aftermath of mistakes. Phelps and Russell are both right. No person is correct about everything regardless of their past and, in the event they are wrong, every person benefits from the opportunity to learn from it. Therefore, juxtaposing certainty and doubt is akin to separating joy and sorrow. To the thoughtful soul, they are inextricably connected. An example of when certainty led to failure was when General Robert E. Lee lost the Battle of Gettysburg in the Civil War. His original plan of taking the war North and exposing the true social fabric of the South in the Union led to his ultimate defeat. Lee’s certainty originally came from prior victories and a fortunate escape at Sharpsburg. However, his experience had not taught him that all good things come to an end. And by that, Lee’s assumption that continuing his streak lead to his loss and the end of the Civil War. By Lee’s failure to succeed through certainty, his personal perspective adapted while his experience continued to grow as the past mistakes would be accounted for while future ones would be expected. Today, people definitively look for a solution to a problem because they find strength in success. Although doubt prevents us from truly seeking our achievements, the dilemma might seem that doubt coincides with the risk of consequence and reward. Wrong decisions result in consequences while right actions ensues a reward. An example of