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I have discussed the text and written down as best I could in eleven books what seemed certain to me, and have affirmed and defended it; and about its many uncertainties I have inquired, hesitated, balanced different opinions, not to prescribe anyone what they should think about obscure points, but rather to show how we have been willing to be instructed whenever we have been in doubt as to the meaning, and to discourage the reader from the making of rash assertions where we have been unable to establish solid grounds for a definite decision.
— Augustine, De Genesi ad litteram, 12.1.1