Accepting Quote by Laozi
“To know how little one knows is to have genuine knowledge. Not to know how little one knows is to be deluded. Only those who know when they are deluded can free themselves from such delusion. The intelligent people are not deluded, because they know and accept their ignorance as ignorance, and thereby have genuine knowledge.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Tao Te Ching, c. 400 BC
Recognizing one's own ignorance is the foundation of true knowledge; denial of ignorance leads to delusion.
In simple terms: Knowing you know little is true knowledge.
Key Takeaway
Embrace humility to gain real insight.
Themes
humility
knowledge
self‑awareness
Mood
contemplative
inquisitive
calm
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- education
- research
- personal development
- leadership
Key Concepts
epistemology
philosophy
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you test your own assumptions?
- What practices help you stay humble?
A Different Perspective
Pride can block the willingness to admit ignorance.
