--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Learning -the kind of ignorance affected…" description: "\"Learning -the kind of ignorance affected by (and affecting) civilized races, as distinguished from ignorance, the sort of learning incurred by savages...." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2e6/ambrose-bierce-140_affected_learning-the-kind-of-ignorance-affected_3017889.jpg" --- # Learning -the kind of ignorance affected by (and… ![“Learning -the kind of ignorance affected by (and affecting) civilized races, as distinguished from ignorance, the sort of learning incurred by savages. See nonsense.” quote by Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2e6/ambrose-bierce-140_affected_learning-the-kind-of-ignorance-affected_3017889.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2e6/ambrose-bierce-140_affected_learning-the-kind-of-ignorance-affected_3017889.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2e6/ambrose-bierce-140_affected_learning-the-kind-of-ignorance-affected_3017889.jpg) > “Learning -the kind of ignorance affected by (and affecting) civilized races, as distinguished from ignorance, the sort of learning incurred by savages. See nonsense.” [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Distinguishes refined ignorance of civilized societies from primitive ignorance of savages, highlighting paradoxical knowledge gaps. **In simple terms:** Civilized ignorance differs from savage ignorance. Key Takeaway Recognize and question hidden biases. Themes knowledge civilization paradox Mood critical thoughtful Type analytical philosophical When to use this quote - education - policy making - media analysis Key Concepts epistemology social critique Questions to Reflect On - How does modern education mask its own ignorance? - What are the dangers of “civilized” bias? A Different Perspective Civilized ignorance can be self‑deluding. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Affected](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/affected/) [Civilized](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/civilized/) [Distinguished](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/distinguished/) [Distinguished Ignorance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/distinguished-ignorance-3794899/) [Education](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/education/) [Ignorance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ignorance/) [Ignorance Affected](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ignorance-affected-4869816/) [Kind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/kind/) [Learning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/learning/) [Learning Incurred](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/learning-incurred-4869815/) [Learning Kind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/learning-kind-720503/) [Nonsense](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nonsense/) [Race](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/race/) [Racism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/racism/) [Savages](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/savages/) ## Related quotes > [He was distinguished for ignorance; for he had only one idea, and that was wrong.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-disraeli/he-was-distinguished-for-ignorance-for-he-had-only-one-idea-and-that/) [Benjamin Disraeli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-disraeli/) > [What is difficult about learning - any kind of learning - is that you have to give up what you know already to make…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/monica-furlong/what-is-difficult-about-learning-any-kind-of-learning-is-that-you/) [Monica Furlong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/monica-furlong/) > [Learning is a kind of natural food for the mind.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/learning-is-a-kind-of-natural-food-for-the-mind/) [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) > [Civilization is just a slow process of learning to be kind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tennessee-williams/civilization-is-just-a-slow-process-of-learning-to-be-kind/) [Tennessee Williams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tennessee-williams/) > [Thus we behold Kentucky, lately an howling wilderness, the habitation of savages and wild beasts, become a fruitful field; this region, so favourably distinguished…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-boone/thus-we-behold-kentucky-lately-an-howling-wilderness-the-habitation/) [Daniel Boone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-boone/) > [POVERTY, n. A file provided for the teeth of the rats of reform. Its victims are distinguished by possession of all the virtues and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/poverty-n-a-file-provided-for-the-teeth-of-the-rats-of-reform-its/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [MATERIAL, adj. Having an actual existence, as distinguished from an imaginary one. Important.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/material-adj-having-an-actual-existence-as-distinguished-from-an/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [Conservative, n: A statesman who is enamored of existing evils, as distinguished from the Liberal who wishes to replace them with others.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/conservative-n-a-statesman-who-is-enamored-of-existing-evils-as/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [Molecule, n.: The ultimate, indivisible unit of matter. 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An imaginary state of quality distinguished from the actual by an element known as excellence; an attribute of the critic. The editor…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/perfection-n-an-imaginary-state-of-quality-distinguished-from-the/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [MYTHOLOGY, n. The body of a primitive people's beliefs concerning its origin, early history, heroes, deities and so forth, as distinguished from the true…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/mythology-n-the-body-of-a-primitive-people-s-beliefs-concerning-its/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [PLEBEIAN, n. An ancient Roman who in the blood of his country stained nothing but his hands. Distinguished from the Patrician, who was a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/plebeian-n-an-ancient-roman-who-in-the-blood-of-his-country-stained/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [Women and foxes, being weak, are distinguished by superior tact.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/women-and-foxes-being-weak-are-distinguished-by-superior-tact/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) ## More by Ambrose Bierce > [OBSESSED, p.p. Vexed by an evil spirit, like the Gadarene swine and other critics. Obsession was once more common than it is now. Arasthus…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/obsessed-p-p-vexed-by-an-evil-spirit-like-the-gadarene-swine-and/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [DECIDE, v.i. To succumb to the preponderance of one set of influences over another set.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/decide-v-i-to-succumb-to-the-preponderance-of-one-set-of-influences/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [IMMORAL, adj. Inexpedient. Whatever in the long run and with regard to the greater number of instances men find to be generally inexpedient comes…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/immoral-adj-inexpedient-whatever-in-the-long-run-and-with-regard-to/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [REVIEW, v.t. To set your wisdom (holding not a doubt of it./ Although in truth there's neither bone nor skin to it)/ At work…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/review-v-t-to-set-your-wisdom-holding-not-a-doubt-of-it-although-in/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [CLOCK, n. A machine of great moral value to man, allaying his concern for the future by reminding him what a lot of time…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/clock-n-a-machine-of-great-moral-value-to-man-allaying-his-concern/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [RUBBISH, n. Worthless matter, such as the religions, philosophies, literatures, arts and sciences of the tribes infesting the regions lying due south from Boreaplas.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/rubbish-n-worthless-matter-such-as-the-religions-philosophies/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [There was never a genius who was not thought a fool until he disclosed himself; whereas he is a fool then only.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/there-was-never-a-genius-who-was-not-thought-a-fool-until-he/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [Telephone, n. An invention of the devil which abrogates some of the advantages of making a disagreeable person keep his distance.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/telephone-n-an-invention-of-the-devil-which-abrogates-some-of-the/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [WHANGDEPOOTENAWAH, n. In the Ojibwa tongue, disaster; an unexpected affliction that strikes hard.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/whangdepootenawah-n-in-the-ojibwa-tongue-disaster-an-unexpected/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [Jealous, adj. Unduly concerned about the preservation of that which can be lost only if not worth keeping.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/jealous-adj-unduly-concerned-about-the-preservation-of-that-which-can/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [RIDICULE, n. Words designed to show that the person of whom they are uttered is devoid of the dignity of character distinguishing him who…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/ridicule-n-words-designed-to-show-that-the-person-of-whom-they-are/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [Think twice before you speak to a friend in need](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/think-twice-before-you-speak-to-a-friend-in-need/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [HERMIT, n. A person whose vices and follies are not sociable.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/hermit-n-a-person-whose-vices-and-follies-are-not-sociable/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [TARIFF, n. A scale of taxes on imports, designed to protect the domestic producer against the greed of his consumer.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/tariff-n-a-scale-of-taxes-on-imports-designed-to-protect-the-domestic/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [A bad marriage is like an electrical thrilling machine: it makes you dance, but you can't let go.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/a-bad-marriage-is-like-an-electrical-thrilling-machine-it-makes-you/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) [Explore all 1,157 Ambrose Bierce quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) ## More Affected quotes > [To tell you the truth I am hard put to think of anyone who's career was affected significantly by making all those phone calls…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dabney-coleman/to-tell-you-the-truth-i-am-hard-put-to-think-of-anyone-who-s-career/) [Dabney Coleman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dabney-coleman/) > [First, climate change is the greatest long-term threat faced by humanity. It could cause more human and financial suffering than the two world wars…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-miliband/first-climate-change-is-the-greatest-long-term-threat-faced-by/) [David Miliband](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-miliband/) > [Be a pattern to others, and then all will go well; for as a whole city is affected by the licentious passions and vices…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-carlyle/be-a-pattern-to-others-and-then-all-will-go-well-for-as-a-whole-city/) [Thomas Carlyle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-carlyle/) > [At first I thought I would have to put on an English accent and try a sort of affected Shakespeare thing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leonardo-dicaprio/at-first-i-thought-i-would-have-to-put-on-an-english-accent-and-try-a/) [Leonardo DiCaprio](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leonardo-dicaprio/) > [Every culture, if its natural development is not too much affected by political restrictions, experiences a perpetual renewal of the formative urge, and out…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rudolf-rocker/every-culture-if-its-natural-development-is-not-too-much-affected-by/) [Rudolf Rocker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rudolf-rocker/) > [Don't show them that you are affected.. Instead, show them that you are happy even without them.. To put a sad face on your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sharlene05/don-t-show-them-that-you-are-affected-instead-show-them-that-you-are/) [Sharlene05](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sharlene05/) > [I wish we could go back to the time when the private lives of our public figures were relevant only if they directly affected…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/doris-kearns-goodwin/i-wish-we-could-go-back-to-the-time-when-the-private-lives-of-our/) [Doris Kearns Goodwin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/doris-kearns-goodwin/) > [Don't be intimidated by people who seem to be experts. Hear their points of view and get their judgements. But at the end of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-dallek/don-t-be-intimidated-by-people-who-seem-to-be-experts-hear-their/) [Robert Dallek](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-dallek/) > [Who what am I? My answer: I am the sum total of everything that went before me, of all I have been seen done,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/salman-rushdie/who-what-am-i-my-answer-i-am-the-sum-total-of-everything-that-went/) [Salman Rushdie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/salman-rushdie/) > [I have wondered why is it that some people are less affected and torn by the verities of life and death that others.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-steinbeck/i-have-wondered-why-is-it-that-some-people-are-less-affected-and-torn/) [John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-steinbeck/) > [Then, the other thing that affected my interest in choices growing up was the fact that I was going blind and that meant that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sheena-iyengar/then-the-other-thing-that-affected-my-interest-in-choices-growing-up/) [Sheena Iyengar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sheena-iyengar/) > [I don't think Wayne Rooney would be affected if you booed him, that's just how he is, but others go under. 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