Ability Quote by David Steindl-Rast
“Among the many things that profoundly impress me about the Dalai Lama, quite high up on the list is his ability to say "I don't know". I've often wished that other people in prominent positions wouldn't feel the compulsion to have an answer for everything and would feel equally free to say "I don't know." It's a sign of wisdom to know that you don't know and a sign of stupidity to think that you know everything. I admire it enormously in him, and wonder why so few people in leading positions reach that stage.”
About This Quote
Admiration for the Dalai Lama’s humility to admit ignorance, a rare wisdom in leadership.
In simple terms: Admitting “I don’t know” shows wisdom.
Key Takeaway
Embrace uncertainty.
Themes
humility
wisdom
leadership
Mood
thoughtful
respectful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- politics
- education
- personal growth
Key Concepts
epistemology
ethical leadership
Questions to Reflect On
- Why is admitting ignorance valuable?
- How can leaders model this humility?
A Different Perspective
Leaders may fear appearing weak.
![“[The Dalai Lama] told me some years ago, "I've made every concession to China, and I've been as open and tolerant as I could, and still things get worse in Tibet." If you look at it from one point of view, as he himself says, his monastic position of forbearance and nonviolence hasn't reaped any…” quote by Pico Iyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9fe/pico-iyer-1252_benefits_the-dalai-lama-told-me-some-years-ago-i_678.jpg)
![“Yet [Dalai Lama] has said very strongly that basic freedoms of thought and speech have to be respected in Tibet and they're not at the moment. Tolerance doesn't mean accepting what's unfair.” quote by Pico Iyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e82/pico-iyer-1252_accepting_yet-dalai-lama-has-said-very-strongly-th_397923.jpg)
