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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker admits to knowing that they do not truly know anything certain.
In plain terms
I know I don't know anything for sure.
What can you take from it?
Acknowledge your limits to keep learning.

Where it applies

  • philosophical inquiry
  • scientific research
  • personal growth

Putting it to work

  • practice intellectual humility
  • question assumptions
  • stay open to learning

Questions to consider

  • What do I claim to know that I should question?
  • How does admitting ignorance help me learn?

Another view

This stance can be paralyzing if it prevents action.

More from Socrates

  1. Bad men live that they may eat and drink, whereas good men eat and drink that they may live.

    Permalink to quote #20

  2. Often when looking at a mass of things for sale, he would say to himself, 'How many things I have no need of!'

    Permalink to quote #22

  3. I am not an Athenian or a Greek, but a citizen of the world. (Note: This seems to Contradict much of what is said by Socrates in Crito.)

    Permalink to quote #19

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  2. Who are a little wise, the best fools be.

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  3. As for me, all I know is that I know nothing.

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