He that knew all that ever Learning writ, Knew only this - that he knew nothing yet.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Even extensive knowledge leaves one aware of what they still don't know.
- In plain terms
- Knowing everything written still means knowing nothing.
- What can you take from it?
- Stay humble regardless of how much you learn.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does humility affect your learning?
- When have you felt you knew nothing?
Another view
The claim may overstate the paradox of knowledge.
More from Aphra Behn
Oh what a dear ravishing thing is the beginning of an Amour!
Permalink to quote #11 Nothing is more capable of troubling our reason, and consuming our health, than secret notions of jealousy in solitude.
Permalink to quote #13 Love ceases to be a pleasure when it ceases to be a secret.
Permalink to quote #10
Related quotes
First come I; my name is Jowett. There's no knowledge but I know it. I am master of this college: What I don't know isn't knowledge.
Henry Charles BeechingHenry Charles Beeching quote #1 I said I liked being half-educated; you were so much more surprised at everything when you were ignorant.
Gerald DurrellGerald Durrell quote #4 There has been an alarming increase in the number of things I know nothing about.
Ashleigh BrilliantAshleigh Brilliant quote #5