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The fool,fixed in his folly,may think He can turn the wheel on which he turns.
T. S. Eliot
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Awareness of one's ignorance is crucial for growth and change.

This quote by T. S. Eliot highlights the idea that a person who is unyieldingly stuck in their own misconceptions or foolishness may believe they have control over their circumstances. However, true wisdom comes from recognizing the limitations of one's understanding and being open to learning and change.

Themes

FollyWisdomIgnoranceAwarenessChange

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about personal growth, one might say, 'Remember what T. S. Eliot said: The fool, fixed in his folly, may think he can turn the wheel on which he turns.'

More from T. S. Eliot

There is no feeling, except the extremes of fear and grief, that does not find relief in music.
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Half of the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important. They don't mean to do harm. But the harm does not interest them.
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I am an Anglo-Catholic in religion, a classicist in literature and a royalist in politics.
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If you aren't in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?
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For I have known them all already, known them all— Have known the evenings, mornings, afternoons, I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.
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In the faint moonlight, the grass is singing
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