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About this quote

What does it mean?
Knowing you know nothing is where true knowledge lies.
In plain terms
Real knowledge is knowing your limits.
What can you take from it?
Awareness of ignorance is the beginning of knowledge.

Where it applies

  • education
  • debate
  • science

Putting it to work

  • Stay curious
  • Acknowledge gaps

Questions to consider

  • What do you know for certain?
  • How much do you not know?

Another view

Practical fields often demand specific knowledge regardless.

More from Socrates

  1. To need nothing is divine, and the less a man needs the nearer does he approach to divinity.

    Permalink to quote #85
  2. True wisdom comes to each of us when we realize how little we understand about life, ourselves, and the world around us.

    Permalink to quote #87
  3. To find yourself, think for yourself.

    Permalink to quote #84

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