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About this quote

What does it mean?
An insight that ignorance often prevents people from recognizing intelligence in themselves or others.
In plain terms
Some people are too unaware to realize what smart means.
What can you take from it?
Self-awareness is key to recognizing intelligence.

Where it applies

  • intellectual discussion
  • education
  • self-reflection

Putting it to work

  • encourage learning
  • acknowledge gaps
  • stay humble

Questions to consider

  • How do you know you know something?
  • Can ignorance be overcome?

Another view

It assumes that acknowledging ignorance is the same as being smart.

More from Kurt Vonnegut

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  2. I was a victim of a series of accidents, as are we all.

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  3. Son - they say there isn't any royalty in this country, but do you want me to tell you how to be king of the United States of America? Just fall through the ho…

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