QuoteProject
Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance.
Confucius
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

True knowledge comes from recognizing how much we don't know.

This quote by Confucius emphasizes the importance of humility and self-awareness in the pursuit of knowledge. It suggests that acknowledging one's ignorance is a critical step towards genuine understanding and learning, as it encourages curiosity and the desire to seek out new information.

Themes

KnowledgeIgnoranceHumilityUnderstandingLearning

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a classroom setting to encourage students to be open about their learning process.

More from Confucius

Speak the truth, do not yield to anger; give, if thou art asked for little; by these three steps thou wilt go near the gods.
ConfuciusRead
Earnest in practicing the ordinary virtues, and careful in speaking about them, if, in his practice, he has anything defective, the superior man dares not but exert himself; and if, in his words, he has any excess, he dares not allow himself such license.
ConfuciusRead
When you see a good person, think of becoming like her/him. When you see someone not so good, reflect on your own weak points.
ConfuciusRead
Never give a sword to a man who can't dance.
ConfuciusRead
The superior man is distressed by the limitations of his ability; he is not distressed by the fact that men do not recognize the ability that he has.
ConfuciusRead
Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.
ConfuciusRead

Similar quotes

It's about time we stopped buying things we don't need with money we don't have to impress people we don't like.
Adrian RogersRead
Apt words have power to suage the tumors of a troubled mind.
John MiltonRead
Do not, do not, do not books for ever hammer at people like perpetual bells? When, between two books, silent sky appears: be glad
Rainer Maria RilkeRead
We live in an age that reads too much to be wise, and that thinks too much to be beautiful.
Oscar WildeRead
Life is short and the time of death is uncertain; so apply yourself to meditation. Avoid doing evil, and acquire merit, to the best of your ability, even at the cost of life itself. In short: Act so that you have no cause to be ashamed of yourselves and hold fast to this rule.
MilarepaRead
You're no help," he told the lime. This was unfair. It was only a lime; there was nothing special about it at all. It was doing the best it could.
Neil GaimanRead

A little wisdom, now and then

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