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About this quote

What does it mean?
As knowledge grows, so does our awareness of what we do not know.
In plain terms
The more we learn, the more we realize how much is still unknown.
What can you take from it?
Learning expands awareness of ignorance.

Where it applies

  • reflecting on education
  • evaluating expertise

Putting it to work

  • stay humble while learning
  • expect unknowns in research

Questions to consider

  • What should we do with the knowledge of our ignorance?
  • How does knowing limits help progress?

Another view

It may feel discouraging to some.

More from Albert Einstein

  1. Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.

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  2. Before God we are all equally wise - and equally foolish.

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  3. Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius - and a lot of courage - to move in the opposite direct…

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