I am the wisest man alive, for I know one thing, and that is that I know nothing.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- True wisdom lies in recognizing the limits of one's knowledge.
- In plain terms
- Knowing that you know nothing is the wisest thing.
- What can you take from it?
- Stay humble and open to learning.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When have you felt truly ignorant?
- How does this affect your confidence?
Another view
Admitting ignorance can feel uncomfortable in competitive environments.
More from Socrates
He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.
Permalink to quote #51 I cannot teach anybody anything, I can only make them think.
Permalink to quote #53 He is richest who is content with the least, for content is the wealth of nature.
Permalink to quote #50
Related quotes
Que sais-je?
Michel de MontaigneMichel de Montaigne quote #1 I speak from ignorance. Who once learned much, but speaks from ignorance now.
Nathaniel TarnNathaniel Tarn quote #1 [Mais par ce que selon le sage Salomon,] Sapience n'entre point en ame malivole, & science sans conscience n'est que ruyne de l'ame.
Francois RabelaisFrancois Rabelais quote #3