---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Academic disciplines are subject to being…"
description: "\"Academic disciplines are subject to being overtaken by attacks of \"knowingness\"- a state of mind and soul that prevents shudders of awe and makes one i..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1b6/richard-rorty-13909_academic_academic-disciplines-are-subject-to-bein_393510.jpg"
---

#  Academic disciplines are subject to being overtaken by…

![“Academic disciplines are subject to being overtaken by attacks of "knowingness"- a state of mind and soul that prevents shudders of awe and makes one immune to enthusiasm.” quote by Richard Rorty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1b6/richard-rorty-13909_academic_academic-disciplines-are-subject-to-bein_393510.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1b6/richard-rorty-13909_academic_academic-disciplines-are-subject-to-bein_393510.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1b6/richard-rorty-13909_academic_academic-disciplines-are-subject-to-bein_393510.jpg)

> “Academic disciplines are subject to being overtaken by attacks of "knowingness"- a state of mind and soul that prevents shudders of awe and makes one immune to enthusiasm.”

[Richard Rorty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-rorty/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Overconfidence can block wonder and enthusiasm, limiting intellectual openness.

**In simple terms:** Being overly certain stifles awe.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate humility to stay open.

Themes

humility wonder intellectual openness

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

- academic research
- creative work
- personal growth
- teaching

Key Concepts

epistemic arrogance mindset awe

Questions to Reflect On

- How does certainty limit curiosity?
- What practices foster intellectual humility?

A Different Perspective

Overconfidence may also protect against doubt and indecision.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Academic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/academic/) [Awe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/awe/) [Discipline](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/discipline/) [Enthusiasm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enthusiasm/) [Intellectual](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intellectual/) [Intelligence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intelligence/) [Knowingness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/knowingness/) [Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mind/) [Mind and soul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mind-and-soul/) [Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/) [Soul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/soul/) [State of mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/state-of-mind/)

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