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About this quote

What does it mean?
Education is described as revealing ignorance to some while hiding it from others.
In plain terms
Learning shows smart people what they don't know and hides it from others.
What can you take from it?
True learning increases awareness of one's own limits.

Where it applies

  • evaluating students
  • critiquing schooling

Putting it to work

  • encourage humility
  • question superficial learning

Questions to consider

  • How does learning change your view of yourself?
  • Who benefits from ignorance?

Another view

It assumes education always reveals lack of understanding.

More from Ambrose Bierce

  1. Defenceless, adj. Unable to attack.

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  2. Egotist, n. A person of low taste, more interested in himself than in me.

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  3. Dawn, n. The time when men of reason go to bed. Certain old men prefer to rise at about that time, taking a cold bath and a long walk with an empty stomach, an…

    Permalink to quote #29

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