---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: He who knows not, and knows not that he…"
description: "\"“He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a fool; shun him. He who knows not, and knows that he knows not, is a student; Teach him. He who..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e2f/arabian-220597_knows-wise_he-who-knows-not-and-knows-not-that-he-k_531219.jpg"
---

#  He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a…

![“He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a fool; shun him. He who knows not, and knows that he knows not, is a student; Teach him. He who knows, and knows not that he knows, is asleep; Wake him. He who knows, and knows that he knows not, is Wise; Follow him.” quote by Arabian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e2f/arabian-220597_knows-wise_he-who-knows-not-and-knows-not-that-he-k_531219.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e2f/arabian-220597_knows-wise_he-who-knows-not-and-knows-not-that-he-k_531219.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e2f/arabian-220597_knows-wise_he-who-knows-not-and-knows-not-that-he-k_531219.jpg)

> ““He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a fool; shun him. He who knows not, and knows that he knows not, is a student; Teach him. He who knows, and knows not that he knows, is asleep; Wake him. He who knows, and knows that he knows not, is Wise; Follow him.””

Arabian

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The passage classifies people by awareness and suggests appropriate responses: avoid the ignorant, teach the aware, awaken the unaware, and follow the truly wise.

**In simple terms:** People differ in self‑knowledge; act accordingly.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and respect levels of awareness.

Themes

wisdom self‑awareness guidance

Mood

reflective thoughtful

When to use this quote

- education
- leadership
- mentoring
- conflict avoidance

Key Concepts

philosophy Socratic method

Questions to Reflect On

- How do you assess someone’s true understanding?
- When should you intervene or follow?

A Different Perspective

Not all who seem wise are truly wise; discernment needed.

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Browse all 9 Knows Wise quotes

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