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Consolation Quote by John Fowles

“The privileges of knowledge have to be bought at the cost of the consolations of ignorance.” quote by John Fowles
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“The privileges of knowledge have to be bought at the cost of the consolations of ignorance.”

John Fowles

About This Quote

Source Novel: The French Lieutenant's Woman, 1969

Knowledge comes at the expense of losing the comforting ignorance that shields us.

In simple terms: Knowledge costs the comfort of ignorance.

Key Takeaway

Weigh the value of truth against the loss of comforting falsehoods.

Themes

knowledge ignorance trade‑off

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • education
  • critical thinking
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

epistemology psychology literature

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is all knowledge worth the discomfort?
  • When might ignorance be preferable?
A Different Perspective

Ignorance can sometimes protect mental health.

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