Fullness of knowledge always means some understanding of the depths of our ignorance; and that is always conducive to humility and reverence.
Interpretation
True knowledge acknowledges the limits of our understanding, fostering humility and respect.
This quote by Robert Andrews Millikan emphasizes that possessing knowledge is not merely about accumulating facts, but also involves recognizing the vast areas of ignorance that we still have. Understanding our limitations can cultivate a sense of humility and reverence, prompting us to approach knowledge with respect and an open mind.
In practice
In a lecture on philosophy, one could say, 'As Millikan stated, 'Fullness of knowledge always means some understanding of the depths of our ignorance' to emphasize the importance of humility in learning.
Indeed, I suspect that the changes that have taken place during the last century in the average man's fundamental beliefs, in his philosophy, in his conception of religion, in his whole world outlook, are greater than the changes that occurred during the preceding four thousand years all put together.
This much I can say with definiteness - namely, that there is no scientific basis for the denial of religion - nor is there in my judgment any excuse for a conflict between science and religion, for their fields are entirely different. Men who know very little of science and men who know very little of religion do indeed get to quarreling, and the onlookers imagine that there is a conflict between science and religion, whereas the conflict is only between two different species of ignorance.
Cultivate the habit of attention and try to gain opportunities to hear wise men and women talk. Indifference and inattention are the two most dangerous monsters that you ever meet. Interest and attention will insure to you an education.
Do not deny the classical approach, simply as a reaction, or you will have created another pattern and trapped yourself there.
A bad day for the ego is a good day for the soul.
Without reflection, we go blindly on our way.
I have always fought for ideas - until I learned that it isn't ideas but grief, struggle, and flashes of vision which enlighten.
The mistakes we make when we try to imagine our personal futures are also lawful, regular, and systematic. They, too, have a pattern that tells us about the powers and limits of foresight in much the same way that optical illusions tell us about the powers and limits of eyesight.
Sometimes ideas just come to me. Other times I have to sweat and almost bleed to make ideas come. It's a mysterious process, but I hope I never find out exactly how it works.
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