Curiosity Quote by Samuel Shellabarger
““Curiosity, however sharp, must wait on dignity.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Book of the Great Philosophers, Samuel Shellabarger, 1935
Curiosity should be tempered by respect and proper conduct; knowledge pursuit must be dignified.
In simple terms: Be curious, but stay respectful.
Key Takeaway
Balance inquiry with decorum.
Themes
respect
curiosity
ethics
Mood
thoughtful
reflective
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- social interactions
- professional meetings
- online discussions
Key Concepts
dignity
self‑control
intellectual humility
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure curiosity respects others?
- When does curiosity cross into rudeness?
A Different Perspective
Excessive curiosity can become intrusive or disrespectful.
![“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)
