Alas Quote by Lord Byron
“Socrates said, our only knowledge was "To know that nothing could be known;" a pleasant Science enough, which levels to an ass Each Man of Wisdom, future, past, or present. Newton, (that Proverb of the Mind,) alas! Declared, with all his grand discoveries recent, That he himself felt only "like a youth Picking up shells by the great Ocean-Truth."”
About This Quote
Source Poem: Don Juan, 1819
True wisdom acknowledges the limits of knowledge; humility is the foundation of learning and discovery.
In simple terms: Accept that we cannot know everything.
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
- scientific research
Key Concepts
epistemology
wisdom
self‑awareness
Questions to Reflect On
- What do you assume you know that might be false?
- How can humility improve your relationships?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on doubt can hinder confidence.
![“We should realize that, if [Socrates] demanded that the wisest men should rule, he clearly stressed that he did not mean the learned men; in fact, he was skeptical of all professional learnedness, whether it was that of the philosophers or of the learned men of his own generation, the Sophists…” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e0a/anonymous-1_different_we-should-realize-that-if-socrates-deman_52551.jpg)
