Acquire a government over your ideas, that they may come down when they are called, and depart when they are bidden.
Isaac WattsRead
Acquaint yourself with your own ignorance.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Recognizing and understanding one's own lack of knowledge is the first step towards personal growth.
This quote by Isaac Watts emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. Acknowledging one's own ignorance is not a sign of weakness but rather a crucial step in the journey of learning and personal development. By becoming familiar with what we do not know, we open ourselves up to new information and experiences, fostering intellectual growth and a deeper understanding of the world around us.
Themes
IgnoranceKnowledgeSelf-AwarenessLearningWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about lifelong learning, one might say, 'Acquaint yourself with your own ignorance, for true knowledge begins with understanding what you do not know.'
More from Isaac Watts
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To prevent and suppress rising resentment is wise and glorious, is manly and divine.
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Kind words toward those you daily meet, Kind words and actions right, Will make this life of ours most sweet, Turn darkness into night.
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Though reading and conversation may furnish us with many ideas of men and things, yet it is our own meditation must form our judgment.
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Two sentiments alone suffice for man, were he to live the age of the rocks - love, and the contemplation of the Deity.
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