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

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.
T. S. EliotRead
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.
T. S. EliotRead
I am an Anglo-Catholic in religion, a classicist in literature and a royalist in politics.
T. S. EliotRead
If you aren't in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?
T. S. EliotRead
For I have known them all already, known them allβ€” Have known the evenings, mornings, afternoons, I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.
T. S. EliotRead
In the faint moonlight, the grass is singing
T. S. EliotRead

Similar quotes

Light came to me when I realized that I did not have to consider any racial group as a whole. God made them duck by duck and that was the only way I could see them.
Zora Neale HurstonRead
I have tried to teach people there are three kicks in every dollar: one, when you make it; two, when you have it. The third kick it when you give it away - and it is the biggest kick of all.
William Allen WhiteRead
We should never rush into folly just because other nations are practicing it.
Leon KassRead
The acknowledgment of our weakness is the first step in repairing our loss.
Thomas A KempisRead
So, friends, every day do something that won't compute. Love the Lord. Love the world. Work for nothing. Take all that you have and be poor. Love someone who does not deserve it. Denounce the government and embrace the flag. Hope to live in that free republic for which it stands.
Wendell BerryRead
In each moment the fire rages, it will burn away a hundred veils. And carry you a thousand steps toward your goal.
RumiRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.