Knowledge Quote by Mortimer J. Adler

““intelligent action depends on knowledge. Knowledge””

Mortimer J. Adler

About This Quote

Source Book: How to Read a Book, Mortimer J. Adler, 1940

Intelligent action relies on knowledge; knowledge is essential.

In simple terms: Smart actions need knowledge.

Key Takeaway

Seek knowledge before acting.

Themes

education intelligence decision making learning wisdom

Mood

inquisitive analytical thoughtful

Type

educational philosophical

When to use this quote

career planning
problem solving
policy development
personal growth
teaching

Key Concepts

epistemology critical thinking practical intelligence

Questions to Reflect On

How to verify knowledge accuracy?
What sources ensure reliable information?

A Different Perspective

Knowledge can be incomplete or biased.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4.7 out of 5 (4 ratings)

Knowledge

More by Mortimer J. Adler

“The characteristics of this kind of reading are perhaps summed up in the word “orthodox,” which is almost always applicable. The word comes from…

Mortimer J. Adler

Image

“We are not told, or not told early enough so that it sinks in, that mathematics is a language, and that we can learn…

Mortimer J. Adler

Image

“Even when you have been somewhat enlightened by what you have read, you are called upon to continue the serach for significance.”

Mortimer J. Adler

Image

“Even a cursory perusal reveals a very great range of reference. There is hardly a single human action that has not been called—in one…

Mortimer J. Adler

Image

“Reading is like skiing. When done well, when done by an expert, both reading and skiing are graceful, harmonious, activities. When done by a…

Mortimer J. Adler

Image

“You must be able to say, with reasonable certainty, "I understand," before you can say "I agree," or "I disagree," or "I suspend judgment.”

Mortimer J. Adler

Image

“We hope you have not made the error of supposing that to criticize is always to disagree. (...) To agree is just as much…

Mortimer J. Adler

Image

“The communion that can be achieved by human conversation is of great significance for our private lives...It is the spiritual parallel of the physical…

Mortimer J. Adler

Image

“In the case of good books, the point is not to see how many of them you can get through, but rather how many…

Mortimer J. Adler

Image

“Great speed in reading is a dubious achievement; it is of value only if what you have to read is not worth reading. A…

Mortimer J. Adler

Image

“A good rule always describes the ideal performance.”

Mortimer J. Adler

Image

“Francis Bacon once remarked that “some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.” Reading…

Mortimer J. Adler

Image

Explore all 45 Mortimer J. Adler quotes

More Knowledge quotes

“Knowledge without conscience is but the ruin of the soul.”

Rabelaise

Image

For successful education there must always be a certain freshness in the knowledge dealt with. It must be either new in itself or invested…

Alfred North Whitehead

Image

Nothing is so powerful as an insight into human nature... what compulsions drive a man, what instincts dominate his action. If you know these…

William Bernbach

Image

But I already saw no great difference between the psyche and spirituality. To amass knowledge without becoming wise is not my idea of progress…

M. Scott Peck

Image

If we will not interfere with our thought, but will act entirely, or see how the thing stands in God, we know the particular…

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Image

An enlightened awareness is within each one of us, right at this moment. This enlightened awareness is truly unborn and marvellously illuminating; and everything…

Bankei Yotaku