To free a man from error is to give, not to take away. Knowledge that a thing is false is a truth. Error always does harm; sooner or later it will bring mischief to the man who harbors it. Then give up deceiving people; confess ignorance of what you don't know, and leave everyone to form his own articles of faith for himself. Perhaps they won't turn out so bad, especially as they'll rub one another's corners down, and mutually rectify mistakes. The existence of many views will at any rate lay a foundation of tolerance. Those who possess knowledge and capacity may betake themselves to the study of philosophy, or even in their own persons carry the history of philosophy a step further.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Correcting errors gives knowledge; acknowledging falsehood is a truth. Mistakes harm, so confess ignorance and let others form their own beliefs, fostering tolerance and collective correction.
- In plain terms
- Admitting mistakes and ignorance spreads truth and tolerance.
- What can you take from it?
- Be honest about errors to promote learning and tolerance.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does admitting ignorance affect credibility?
- What balance between certainty and doubt is healthy?
Another view
Too much openness can lead to confusion or misinformation.
More from Arthur Schopenhauer
There is no more mistaken path to happiness than worldliness, revelry, high life.
Permalink to quote #84 Men of learning are those who have read the contents of books. Thinkers, geniuses, and those who have enlightened the world and furthered the race of men, are …
Permalink to quote #86 Intellect is invisible to the man who has none.
Permalink to quote #83
Related quotes
Patience: 'The more a person knows the more they realize they don't know. To seek knowledge is healthy, but rather than making a personal investment in a propo…
Bryant McGillBryant McGill quote #130 Truth lies within a little and certain compass, but error is immense.
Henry, 1st Viscount Bolingbroke St JohnHenry, 1st Viscount Bolingbroke St John quote #1 I could never divide myself from any man upon the difference of an opinion, or be angry with his judgement for not agreeing with me in that, from which perhaps…
Sir Thomas BrowneSir Thomas Browne quote #1