Knowledge Quote by Joseph Addison
“The utmost extent of man's knowledge, is to know that he knows nothing.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Spectator, 1711
True wisdom lies in recognizing the limits of one's knowledge.
In simple terms: Know that you know nothing.
Key Takeaway
Embrace humility in learning.
Themes
humility
knowledge
philosophy
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- academic study
- personal growth
- decision making
- leadership
Key Concepts
Socratic paradox
epistemic humility
Questions to Reflect On
- What does acknowledging ignorance enable?
- How does humility affect learning?
A Different Perspective
Some may view it as discouraging confidence.
![“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)
