Where there is no novelty, there can be no curiosity.
Aphra BehnRead
Of all that writ, he was the wisest bard, who spoke this mighty truth- He that knew all that ever learning writ, Knew only this-that he knew nothing yet.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True wisdom lies in recognizing the limits of one's knowledge.
This quote suggests that the greatest understanding comes from acknowledging one's ignorance. It highlights the paradox of knowledge—while one may accumulate information and learning, the wisest individuals realize that there is always more to learn, and true wisdom stems from an awareness of this continuous pursuit of knowledge.
Themes
WisdomKnowledgeLearningIgnoranceTruth
In practice
Example use cases
This quote would be appropriate in a philosophy class discussing the nature of knowledge.
More from Aphra Behn
All quotes →No friend to Love like a long voyage at sea.
Aphra BehnRead
That perfect tranquillity of life, which is nowhere to be found but in retreat, a faithful friend and a good library.
Aphra BehnRead
As love is the most noble and divine passion of the soul, so is it that to which we may justly attribute all the real satisfactions of life, and without it, man is unfinished, and unhappy.
Aphra BehnRead
One hour of right-down love is worth an age of dully living on.
Aphra BehnRead
Here lies a Proof that Wit can never be Defence enough against Mortality
Aphra BehnRead
Similar quotes
Nothing astonishes men so much as common sense and plain dealing.
Ralph Waldo EmersonRead
The way you think, the way you behave, the way you eat, can influence your life by 30 to 50 years.
Deepak ChopraRead
It is reasonable to have perfection in our eye that we may always advance toward it, though we know it can never be reached.
Samuel JohnsonRead
You see things less clearly when you open your eyes too wide.
Italo SvevoRead
Beware the ends of the earth and the exotic: the drama is on your doorstep wherever the slums; are, wherever there is malnutrition, wherever there is exploitation and cruelty.
John GriersonRead
Look closely at those who patronize you. Half are unfeeling, half untaught.
Johann Wolfgang Von GoetheRead