Curiosity Quote by Samuel Johnson
“All wonder is the effect of novelty on ignorance.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Idler, 1750
Ignorance makes new things seem wondrous, while knowledge dulls that effect.
In simple terms: Newness feels amazing when we don't understand it.
Key Takeaway
Seek knowledge to temper wonder.
Themes
ignorance
novelty
perception
Mood
curious
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- learning new subjects
- exploring cultures
- first-time experiences
- education
- curiosity
Key Concepts
epistemology
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does knowledge change your sense of awe?
- Can wonder be a catalyst for learning?
A Different Perspective
Wonder can become complacency if not paired with critical thinking.
![“We have no clear ideas of the agency of [demonic] spirits, nor is it necessary. The Scripture says little to satisfy our curiosity; but tells us plainly that he is always watching us, and desiring to sift us as wheat. I believe we give him no more than his due, when we charge him with having a…” quote by John Newton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c75/john-newton-6629_abundance_we-have-no-clear-ideas-of-the-agency-of_2907.jpg)
![“[T]he question "What is everything?" has no meaning, even though it seems to be profound. [...] The point is, perhaps, that I am not looking for a verbal answer, just as when I ask for a kiss, I do not want a piece of paper with "A kiss" written on it. It is rather that metaphysical wonder looks…” quote by Alan W. Watts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/705/alan-w-watts-9497_curiosity_t-he-question-what-is-everything-has-no_3984.jpg)
![“By profession a biologist, [Thomas Henry Huxley] covered in fact the whole field of the exact sciences, and then bulged through its four fences. Absolutely nothing was uninteresting to him. His curiosity ranged from music to theology and from philosophy to history. He didn't simply know something…” quote by H. L. Mencken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f46/h-l-mencken-245_absolutely-nothing_by-profession-a-biologist-thomas-henry-h_5368.jpg)
