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
Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance.
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
All quotes βEarnest 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
I make no manner of doubt that you threw a very diamond of truth at me, though you see it hit me so directly in the face that it wasn't exactly appreciated, at first.
Harriet Beecher StoweRead
If I wanted to doubt, then I could doubt endlessly, but at some point a person has to stop questioning and act, and at that point you have to trust something to be true. You have to act as if something is true, and so you choose the thing you have the most reason to believe in, you have to live in the world that you have the most hope in.
Orson Scott CardRead
You learn to know a pilot in a storm.
Seneca The YoungerRead
Christ willed to suffer and be despised and do you dare complain of the same? Christ had adversaries and backbiters; and do you wish to have all men your friends and benefactors? When shall your patience attain her crown if no adversity befalls you? If you are willing to suffer naught that is against you, how will you be the friend of Christ?
Thomas A KempisRead
I think my greatest ambition in life is to pass on to others what I know.
Frank SinatraRead
Write down the thoughts of the moment. Those that come unsought for are commonly the most valuable.
Francis BaconRead