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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker admits not knowing an answer and compares it to the obscurity of historical artisans.
In plain terms
I don't know the answer, just like you don't know a Greek shoemaker.
What can you take from it?
Some unknowns are normal and comparable across history.

Where it applies

  • defusing difficult questions
  • discussing history
  • seeking humility

Putting it to work

  • accepting limitations
  • contextualizing knowledge

Questions to consider

  • What is worth knowing?
  • What is acceptable not to know?

Another view

Equating questions with historical obscurity may avoid addressing specifics.

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