Quote wanted!

[hhmcsv]

Hi folks!
I'm looking for the exact quote, which by my memory and translation into danish and back to english sounds somewhat like this:

"It is better to have absolutely no idea of where one is than to be completely sure that one is at a place where one is not"

I seem to remember, that this quote should have its origin from a person having to do with ancient british naval maps.

I would like very much if anybody could point to a ressource (written or prefererably on the net) where the exact text and history is described.

I have tried to Google around the topic, but with no results

Hans-Henrik

[sailhog]

Check Bartlett's. However, I don't know what you would run the index... navigation? nautical? lost?

Here's a worthless paraphrase: 'Tis better to be honest and stupid than arrogant and sure...

[CapnHand]

It's T. S. Eliot "It is better to have absolutely no idea where one is and know it, than to believe confidently that one is where one is not."

[AjariBonten]

Since the OP got his answer, this isn't hijacking the thread. My favorite quote in this vein is this:

It is better to be quiet and have people think you dumb; than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

I don't know the source

[HoffaLives]

related is a chinese proverb (paraphrasing as I don't recall the exact words) uncertainty is uncomfortable, conviction is ridiculous.

[CapnHand]

Ahem......the author didn't get a complete answer yet. I know the quote but not the context it was from. Anyone?

[sailhog]

Bartlett's has five or six pages of Eliot quotes, but not that one. You're sure it's Eliot?

[Zanshin]

Originally Posted by AjariBonten

Since the OP got his answer, this isn't hijacking the thread. My favorite quote in this vein is this:

It is better to be quiet and have people think you dumb; than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

I don't know the source

The original is from Abraham Lincoln and reads "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt."

[AjariBonten]

I got a reference to Cassini, when I googled the quote CapnHand posted

Thanks, Zanshin, That's the one..............

[RAGNAR]

Originally Posted by HoffaLives

related is a chinese proverb (paraphrasing as I don't recall the exact words) uncertainty is uncomfortable, conviction is ridiculous.

I bet billions of Chinese are sure about that...lol