Knowledge Quote by Franz Rosenthal
““Saying, I do not know,’ constitutes one half of knowledge” is both a Prophetical tradition and a saying found in Graeco-Arabic wisdom literature. The phrase most widely recommended for use was lâ adrî “I do not know.” Aristotle was described as saying that he was so fond of using it that he used it also in cases where he possessed the required knowledge.””
About This Quote
Source Historical Text: Graeco‑Arabic wisdom literature, cited by Franz Rosenthal
Admitting ignorance is a humble stance that acknowledges the limits of one's knowledge and invites learning.
In simple terms: Saying “I don’t know” shows humility and openness.
Key Takeaway
Embrace uncertainty and ask questions.
Themes
humility
knowledge
learning
philosophy
dialogue
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- education
- debate
- personal development
- research
Key Concepts
Socratic method
epistemic humility
wisdom tradition
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it better to guess rather than admit ignorance?
- How does humility affect authority?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on “I don’t know” can hinder decisive action.
![“Socrates: This man, on one hand, believes that he knows something, while not knowing [anything]. On the other hand, I – equally ignorant – do not believe [that I know anything].” quote by Plato](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/32c/plato-103_knowledge_socrates-this-man-on-one-hand-believes-t_271582.jpg)
![“I never knew any man who had once tasted the sweetness of experimental knowledge, that ever afterward fasted after ye Vapour garlick and onions of phantasmatical seeming philosophy." [William Petty]” quote by Carl Zimmer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e5a/carl-zimmer-16331_knowledge_i-never-knew-any-man-who-had-once-tasted_1770.jpg)
