Skip to content

Knowledge Quote by John Ashbery

“The mind Is so hospitable, taking in everything Like boarders, and you don't see until It's all over how little there was to learn Once the stench of knowledge has dissipated.” quote by John Ashbery
Download Open image
“The mind Is so hospitable, taking in everything Like boarders, and you don't see until It's all over how little there was to learn Once the stench of knowledge has dissipated.”

John Ashbery

About This Quote

Source Poem: "The Mind Is So Hospitable", John Ashbery, 1990

The mind welcomes all ideas like guests, but after they leave, we realize how little we truly learned.

In simple terms: Mind welcomes ideas but often learns little.

Key Takeaway

Seek deeper understanding beyond initial impressions.

Themes

mind learning knowledge epistemology poetry

Mood

contemplative melancholic insightful

Type

philosophical poetic

When to use this quote

  • education
  • personal growth
  • critical thinking
  • reading poetry
  • philosophical reflection

Key Concepts

hospitality of mind knowledge decay intellectual humility

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we ensure lasting learning?
  • What habits prevent knowledge decay?
A Different Perspective

Ideas can be superficial without reflection.

3.8 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by John Ashbery

Explore all 126 John Ashbery quotes

More Knowledge quotes

Browse all 12,789 Knowledge quotes