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If one can really come to that state of saying, 'I do not know,' it indicates an extraordinary sense of humility; there is no arrogance of knowledge; there is no self-assertive answer to make an impression. When you can actually say, 'I do not know,' which very few are capable of saying, then in that state all fear ceases because all sense of recognition, the search into memory, has come to an end; there is no longer inquiry into the field of the known.

Jiddu Krishnamurti#38

FearEgoHumilityKnowledgeLearning

About this quote

What does it mean?
Admitting ignorance shows humility and frees you from the need to impress or fear being wrong.
In plain terms
Saying you do not know removes fear and arrogance.
What can you take from it?
Embrace not knowing to find freedom.

Where it applies

  • learning
  • conversation
  • self-reflection

Putting it to work

  • say I do not know
  • listen without defending

Questions to consider

  • When did you last admit ignorance?
  • What stops you from saying you do not know?

Another view

Not knowing can be risky in critical situations.

More from Jiddu Krishnamurti

  1. Hitler and Mussolini were only the primary spokesmen for the attitude of domination and craving for power that are in the heart of almost everyone. Until the s…

    Permalink to quote #37
  2. In oneself lies the whole world and if you know how to look and learn, the door is there and the key is in your hand. Nobody on earth can give you either the k…

    Permalink to quote #39
  3. Freedom from the desire for an answer is essential to the understanding of a problem.

    Permalink to quote #36

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