Who said “He who is certain he knows the ending of things when he is only beginning them is either…”?

Verified

Tad Williams. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceThe Dragonbone Chair (1988)

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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“He who is certain he knows the ending of things when he is only beginning them is either extremely wise or extremely foolish; no matter which is true, he is certainly an unhappy man, for he has put a knife in the heart of wonder.”
VerifiedThe Dragonbone Chair (1988) · evidenceCertainty

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: The Dragonbone Chair (1988).

APA

Williams, T. (n.d.). He who is certain he knows the ending of things when he is only beginning them is either extremely wise or extremely foolish; no matter which is true, he is certainly an unhappy man, for he has put a knife in the heart of wonder. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/3945-he-who-is-certain-he-knows-the-ending/

MLA

Williams, Tad. “He who is certain he knows the ending of things when he is only beginning them is either extremely wise or extremely foolish; no matter which is true, he is certainly an unhappy man, for he has put a knife in the heart of wonder.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/3945-he-who-is-certain-he-knows-the-ending/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Williams, Tad. “He who is certain he knows the ending of things when he is only beginning them is either extremely wise or extremely foolish; no matter which is true, he is certainly an unhappy man, for he has put a knife in the heart of wonder.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/3945-he-who-is-certain-he-knows-the-ending/.