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Cleverness Quote by Plato

“Ignorance of all things is an evil neither terrible nor excessive, nor yet the greatest of all; but great cleverness and much learning, if they be accompanied by a bad training, are a much greater misfortune.” quote by Plato
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“Ignorance of all things is an evil neither terrible nor excessive, nor yet the greatest of all; but great cleverness and much learning, if they be accompanied by a bad training, are a much greater misfortune.”

Plato

About This Quote

Source Dialogue: The Republic, Book VII, 380 BC

Knowledge without moral guidance can be more harmful than ignorance.

In simple terms: Learning without virtue is dangerous.

Key Takeaway

Pair education with ethical training.

Themes

ethics education wisdom

Mood

inquisitive serious

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • teaching
  • curriculum design
  • personal development

Key Concepts

moral philosophy intellectual humility

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you ensure knowledge serves good?
  • What role does virtue play in learning?
A Different Perspective

Intellectual arrogance can lead to misfortune.

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