Knowledge Quote by Michel de Montaigne
““In truth, knowledge is a great and very useful quality; those who despise it give evidence enough of their stupidity. Yet I do not set its value at that extreme measure that some attribute to it, such as the philosopher Herillus, who find in it the sovereign good and think it has the power to make us wise and happy.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Essays, Book III, 1580
Knowledge is valuable but not the sole source of wisdom; excessive reverence can be foolish.
In simple terms: Knowledge is useful, not everything.
Key Takeaway
Balance knowledge with humility.
Themes
knowledge
wisdom
humility
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- education
- decision making
- leadership
Key Concepts
philosophy
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you apply knowledge wisely?
- When might ignorance be advantageous?
A Different Perspective
Overvaluing knowledge may neglect practical experience.
![“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)
