QuoteProject
Our knowledge is a little island in a great ocean of nonknowledge.
Isaac Bashevis Singer
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Our understanding is limited compared to what we don't know.

The quote by Isaac Bashevis Singer emphasizes the vastness of the unknown in relation to what we actually know. It suggests that while we may feel knowledgeable, it is just a small portion when compared to the countless mysteries and information that exist beyond our grasp, highlighting the importance of humility and continuous learning.

Themes

KnowledgeWisdomHumilityLearningIgnorance

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can inspire students to appreciate the limits of their knowledge during a classroom discussion.

More from Isaac Bashevis Singer

When a human being kills an animal for food, he is neglecting his own hunger for justice.
Isaac Bashevis SingerRead
There will be no justice as long as man will stand with a knife or with a gun and destroy those who are weaker than he is.
Isaac Bashevis SingerRead
As long as people will shed the blood of innocent creatures there can be no peace, no liberty, no harmony between people. Slaughter and justice cannot dwell together.
Isaac Bashevis SingerRead
Sometimes love is stronger than a man's convictions.
Isaac Bashevis SingerRead
I did not become a vegetarian for my health, I did it for the health of the chickens.
Isaac Bashevis SingerRead
Every creator painfully experiences the chasm between his inner vision and its ultimate expression. The chasm is never completely bridged. We all have the conviction, perhaps illusory, that we have much more to say than appears on the paper.
Isaac Bashevis SingerRead

Similar quotes

The most important quality for an investor is temperament, not intellect. You need a temperament that neither derives great pleasure from being with the crowd or against the crowd.
Warren BuffettRead
The only thing that matters in life is your own opinion about yourself, nobody can destroy your dignity then, because it is not dependent on anybody's opinion.
RajneeshRead
What signifies protesting so against flattery when a person speaks well of one, it must either be true or false, you know if true, let us rejoice in his good opinion if he lies, it is a proof at least that he loves more to please me, than to sit s
Samuel JohnsonRead
I always knew I was going somewhere - going out. I just knew. I just knew. I just knew there were a lot more points of view out there.
Brad PittRead
Don't talk about it. The rose doesn't have to propagate its perfume. It just gives it forth, and people are drawn to it. Live it, and people will come to see the source of your power.
Mahatma GandhiRead
The rains of Life's Blessings cannot gather on mountaintops of pride, but flow easily into valleys of humbleness.
Paramahansa YoganandaRead

A little wisdom, now and then

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