---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The man who knows must discharge a…"
description: "\"“The man who knows must discharge a function. The one who does not, cannot arrogate one to himself; he can only try to do so.”\" — Idries Shah"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9cb/idries-shah-450_function_the-man-who-knows-must-discharge-a-funct_2709904.jpg"
---

#  The man who knows must discharge a function. The one who…

![“The man who knows must discharge a function. The one who does not, cannot arrogate one to himself; he can only try to do so.” quote by Idries Shah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9cb/idries-shah-450_function_the-man-who-knows-must-discharge-a-funct_2709904.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9cb/idries-shah-450_function_the-man-who-knows-must-discharge-a-funct_2709904.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9cb/idries-shah-450_function_the-man-who-knows-must-discharge-a-funct_2709904.jpg)

> ““The man who knows must discharge a function. The one who does not, cannot arrogate one to himself; he can only try to do so.””

[Idries Shah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/idries-shah/)

## About This Quote

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

A person who understands their role must fulfill it; those who lack understanding cannot claim authority and only attempt to mimic it.

**In simple terms:** Understand your role and act; ignorance leads to false claims.

Key Takeaway

Act according to knowledge.

Themes

responsibility authority self-awareness

Mood

reflective serious

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

- leadership
- personal development
- team dynamics

Key Concepts

role fulfillment authenticity

Questions to Reflect On

- Do you claim authority without understanding?
- How can you ensure you are truly qualified?

A Different Perspective

Ignorance may still lead to influence despite lack of competence.

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[Learning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/learning/) [Sufi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sufi/) [Sufis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sufis/) [Sufism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sufism/) [Teacher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/teacher/)

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