---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Confucius said, \"To know that we know…"
description: "\"“Confucius said, \"To know that we know what we know, and that we do not know what we do not know, that is true knowledge.”\" — Henry David Thoreau"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5a6/henry-david-thoreau-20_confucius_confucius-said-to-know-that-we-know-what_3017692.jpg"
---

#  Confucius said, "To know that we know what we know, and…

![“Confucius said, &quot;To know that we know what we know, and that we do not know what we do not know, that is true knowledge.” quote by Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5a6/henry-david-thoreau-20_confucius_confucius-said-to-know-that-we-know-what_3017692.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5a6/henry-david-thoreau-20_confucius_confucius-said-to-know-that-we-know-what_3017692.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5a6/henry-david-thoreau-20_confucius_confucius-said-to-know-that-we-know-what_3017692.jpg)

> ““Confucius said, "To know that we know what we know, and that we do not know what we do not know, that is true knowledge.””

[Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-david-thoreau/)

## About This Quote

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

Recognizing the limits of one's knowledge is the foundation of true understanding.

**In simple terms:** Knowing what you know and don't know is true knowledge.

Key Takeaway

Embrace humility and seek learning.

Themes

humility knowledge self-awareness

Mood

thoughtful curious

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

- education
- scientific research
- personal growth
- decision making

Key Concepts

epistemology critical thinking

Questions to Reflect On

- What do you assume you know that might be false?
- How can you test your own knowledge?

A Different Perspective

It may be uncomfortable to admit ignorance, leading to hesitation.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/confucius/) [Knowledge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/knowledge/) [Learning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/learning/) [True knowledge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/true-knowledge/)

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