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About this quote

What does it mean?
The belief that we know everything hinders true learning and humility.
In plain terms
Thinking you know is a curse to human growth.
What can you take from it?
Humility is essential for learning.

Where it applies

  • education
  • scientific inquiry
  • self improvement

Putting it to work

  • question your assumptions
  • embrace uncertainty

Questions to consider

  • What do you think you know that might be wrong?
  • How does certainty stop learning?

Another view

Confidence is sometimes needed to take action.

More from Michel de Montaigne

  1. There are some defeats more triumphant than victories.

    Permalink to quote #127
  2. There is a sort of gratification in doing good which makes us rejoice in ourselves.

    Permalink to quote #129
  3. The worst of my actions or conditions seem not so ugly unto me as I find it both ugly and base not to dare to avouch for them.

    Permalink to quote #126

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