To believe is very dull. To doubt is intensely engrossing. To be on the alert is to live, to be lulled into security is to die.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the importance of skepticism and being alert in life. It suggests that blindly believing things without questioning them can be uninteresting and unfulfilling. Doubt, on the other hand, is portrayed as engrossing because it promotes critical thinking and curiosity. Being constantly attentive and on the alert is seen as a way to fully experience and engage with life, while becoming complacent and secure leads to stagnation and a lack of growth. Ultimately, the quote suggests that actively questioning and challenging ideas is crucial for a vibrant and meaningful existence.