--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The curse of ignorance is that man…" description: "\"The curse of ignorance is that man without being good or evil is nevertheless satisfied with himself\" — Sophocles" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/342/sophocles-370_be-good_the-curse-of-ignorance-is-that-man-witho_1947686.png" --- # The curse of ignorance is that man without being good or… ![“The curse of ignorance is that man without being good or evil is nevertheless satisfied with himself” quote by Sophocles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/342/sophocles-370_be-good_the-curse-of-ignorance-is-that-man-witho_1947686.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/342/sophocles-370_be-good_the-curse-of-ignorance-is-that-man-witho_1947686.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/342/sophocles-370_be-good_the-curse-of-ignorance-is-that-man-witho_1947686.png) > “The curse of ignorance is that man without being good or evil is nevertheless satisfied with himself” [Sophocles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sophocles/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Human beings often accept their own mediocrity, ignoring moral growth, because they feel content with their current state. **In simple terms:** People are happy with themselves even without virtue. Key Takeaway Question self-awareness and moral striving. Themes self‑awareness morality contentment Mood reflective critical Type philosophical ethical When to use this quote - personal development - education - leadership - civic duty Key Concepts ethical complacency human nature Questions to Reflect On - How does self‑satisfaction affect ethical growth? - What drives people to accept mediocrity? A Different Perspective Moral complacency can hinder progress and societal improvement. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Curse](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/curse/) [Evil](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/evil/) [Ignorance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ignorance/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) ## Related quotes > [Religion has been a curse on the world and humanity will never know freedom until this curse has been exorcised. It is the curse…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-icke/religion-has-been-a-curse-on-the-world-and-humanity-will-never-know/) [David Icke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-icke/) > [I would rather have my ignorance than another man's knowledge, because I have so much of it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-twain/i-would-rather-have-my-ignorance-than-another-man-s-knowledge-because/) [Mark Twain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-twain/) > [A dogmatic tone is generally inspired by abysmal ignorance. The man who knows nothing thinks he is informing others of something which he has…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-de-la-bruyere/a-dogmatic-tone-is-generally-inspired-by-abysmal-ignorance-the-man/) [Jean de la Bruyere](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-de-la-bruyere/) > [“And he could not take the chance of putting his certain ignorance against this man's possible knowledge.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-steinbeck/and-he-could-not-take-the-chance-of-putting-his-certain-ignorance/) [John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-steinbeck/) > [A man is arrogant in proportion to his ignorance. Man's natural tendency is to egotism. Man, in his infancy of knowledge, thinks that all…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-bulwer-lytton-1st-baron-lytton/a-man-is-arrogant-in-proportion-to-his-ignorance-man-s-natural/) [Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-bulwer-lytton-1st-baron-lytton/) > [The last word in ignorance is the man who says of an animal or plant, "What good is it?" If the land mechanism as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aldo-leopold/the-last-word-in-ignorance-is-the-man-who-says-of-an-animal-or-plant-2/) [Aldo Leopold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aldo-leopold/) > [The last word in ignorance is the man who says of an animal or plant: 'What good is it?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aldo-leopold/the-last-word-in-ignorance-is-the-man-who-says-of-an-animal-or-plant/) [Aldo Leopold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aldo-leopold/) > [“...Give your approval to all you cannot understand. Praise ignorance, for what man has not encountered he has not destroyed... ”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wendell-berry/give-your-approval-to-all-you-cannot-understand-praise-ignorance-for/) [Wendell Berry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wendell-berry/) > [Praise ignorance, for what man has not encountered he has not destroyed.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wendell-berry/praise-ignorance-for-what-man-has-not-encountered-he-has-not-destroyed/) [Wendell Berry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wendell-berry/) > [The great mass of people judge well of things, for they are in natural ignorance, which is man's true state.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/blaise-pascal/the-great-mass-of-people-judge-well-of-things-for-they-are-in-natural/) [Blaise Pascal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/blaise-pascal/) > [“Happily men don't realise how stupid they are, or half the world would commit suicide. Knowledge is a will-of-the-wisp, fluttering ever out of the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/w-somerset-maugham/happily-men-don-t-realise-how-stupid-they-are-or-half-the-world-would/) [W. Somerset Maugham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/w-somerset-maugham/) > [No Christian can avoid theology. Every Christian is a theologian. Perhaps not a theologian in the technical or professional sense, but a theologian nevertheless.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-c-sproul/no-christian-can-avoid-theology-every-christian-is-a-theologian/) [R. C. Sproul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-c-sproul/) > [It is much more intelligent, more practical, to be good rather than evil.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paulo-coelho/it-is-much-more-intelligent-more-practical-to-be-good-rather-than-evil/) [Paulo Coelho](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paulo-coelho/) > [Whatever we may say against collections, which present authors in a disjointed form, they nevertheless bring about many excellent results. We are not always…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe/whatever-we-may-say-against-collections-which-present-authors-in-a/) [Johann Wolfgang von Goethe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe/) > [Although under particular circumstances, the violence method - any method - can be justified, nevertheless once you commit violence, then counterviolence will be returned.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/although-under-particular-circumstances-the-violence-method-any/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) ## More by Sophocles > [Those whose life is long still strive for gain, and for all mortals all things take second place to money.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sophocles/those-whose-life-is-long-still-strive-for-gain-and-for-all-mortals/) [Sophocles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sophocles/) > [God's dice always have a lucky roll.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sophocles/god-s-dice-always-have-a-lucky-roll/) [Sophocles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sophocles/) > [A fool cannot be an actor, though an actor may act a fool's part.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sophocles/a-fool-cannot-be-an-actor-though-an-actor-may-act-a-fool-s-part/) [Sophocles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sophocles/) > [Go then if you must, but remember, no matter how foolish your deeds, those who love you will love you still.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sophocles/go-then-if-you-must-but-remember-no-matter-how-foolish-your-deeds/) [Sophocles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sophocles/) > [Man's worst ill is stubbornness of heart.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sophocles/man-s-worst-ill-is-stubbornness-of-heart/) [Sophocles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sophocles/) > [A lie never lives to be old.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sophocles/a-lie-never-lives-to-be-old/) [Sophocles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sophocles/) > [How dangerous can false reasoning prove!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sophocles/how-dangerous-can-false-reasoning-prove/) [Sophocles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sophocles/) > [Why should man fear since chance is all in all for him, and he can clearly foreknow nothing? Best to live lightly, as one…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sophocles/why-should-man-fear-since-chance-is-all-in-all-for-him-and-he-can/) [Sophocles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sophocles/) > [“But life takes sudden twists.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sophocles/but-life-takes-sudden-twists/) [Sophocles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sophocles/) > [When ice appears out of doors, and boys seize it up while it is solid, at first they experience new pleasures. But in the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sophocles/when-ice-appears-out-of-doors-and-boys-seize-it-up-while-it-is-solid/) [Sophocles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sophocles/) > [For God hates utterly the bray of bragging tongues.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sophocles/for-god-hates-utterly-the-bray-of-bragging-tongues/) [Sophocles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sophocles/) > [“I have nothing but contempt for the kind of governor who is afraid, for whatever reason, to follow the course that he knows is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sophocles/i-have-nothing-but-contempt-for-the-kind-of-governor-who-is-afraid/) [Sophocles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sophocles/) > [“Not from Hades' black and universal lake can you lift him. Not by groaning, not by prayers. Yet you run yourself out in a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sophocles/not-from-hades-black-and-universal-lake-can-you-lift-him-not-by/) [Sophocles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sophocles/) > [A fearful man is always hearing things.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sophocles/a-fearful-man-is-always-hearing-things/) [Sophocles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sophocles/) > [There is a point at which even justice does injury.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sophocles/there-is-a-point-at-which-even-justice-does-injury/) [Sophocles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sophocles/) [Explore all 621 Sophocles quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sophocles/) ## More Be good quotes > [Passion is what you need to be good, an unforgiving passion.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-easton/passion-is-what-you-need-to-be-good-an-unforgiving-passion/) [David Easton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-easton/) > [It's like the query letter problem that I just mentioned, magnified a hundredfold. You might be good at telling a story, but that doesn't…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-rothfuss/it-s-like-the-query-letter-problem-that-i-just-mentioned-magnified-a/) [Patrick Rothfuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-rothfuss/) > [Peace is the result of love, and if love were easy we'd all be good at it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colman-mccarthy/peace-is-the-result-of-love-and-if-love-were-easy-we-d-all-be-good-at/) [Colman McCarthy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colman-mccarthy/) > [Therefore, I see whatever exists as good, death is to me like life, sin like holiness, wisdom like foolishness, everything has to be as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hermann-hesse/therefore-i-see-whatever-exists-as-good-death-is-to-me-like-life-sin/) [Hermann Hesse](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hermann-hesse/) > [Most of us want to live in harmony and peace and be good to others. 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I just…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jennifer-garner/to-become-a-classical-ballerina-you-have-to-move-to-new-york-when-you/) [Jennifer Garner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jennifer-garner/) > [The producers felt that 24 would be good for the audience, to really get to know who these 12 and 12 are.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paula-abdul/the-producers-felt-that-24-would-be-good-for-the-audience-to-really/) [Paula Abdul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paula-abdul/) > [All will concede that in order to have good neighbors, we must also be good neighbors. That applies in every field of human endeavor.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harry-s-truman/all-will-concede-that-in-order-to-have-good-neighbors-we-must-also-be/) [Harry S. Truman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harry-s-truman/) > [Everybody wants to be good, but not many are prepared to make the sacrifices it takes to be great.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-arden/everybody-wants-to-be-good-but-not-many-are-prepared-to-make-the/) [Paul Arden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-arden/) > [There's such cultural rot taking place, such a disintegration throughout our culture. Values, morality, you name it. Standards have been relaxed, and people are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rush-limbaugh/there-s-such-cultural-rot-taking-place-such-a-disintegration/) [Rush Limbaugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rush-limbaugh/) > [The difference in being good at some thing and being great at something is usually found in the little things.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/randy-anderson/the-difference-in-being-good-at-some-thing-and-being-great-at/) Randy Anderson > [It doesn't matter if your lead character is good or bad. He just has to be interesting, and he has to be good at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-chase/it-doesn-t-matter-if-your-lead-character-is-good-or-bad-he-just-has/) [David Chase](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-chase/) > [What's good for the very rich might not be good for anybody but them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jesse-jackson/what-s-good-for-the-very-rich-might-not-be-good-for-anybody-but-them/) [Jesse Jackson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jesse-jackson/) > [“Living in the middle of beauty like this, we've no call to have puny ideas about God. Why do you suppose His world is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/catherine-marshall/living-in-the-middle-of-beauty-like-this-we-ve-no-call-to-have-puny/) [Catherine Marshall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/catherine-marshall/) Browse all 1,747 Be good quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "The curse of ignorance is that man without being good or evil is nevertheless satisfied with himself", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Sophocles" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sophocles/the-curse-of-ignorance-is-that-man-without-being-good-or-evil-is/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Be good" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sophocles/the-curse-of-ignorance-is-that-man-without-being-good-or-evil-is/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/342/sophocles-370_be-good_the-curse-of-ignorance-is-that-man-witho_1947686.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/342/sophocles-370_be-good_the-curse-of-ignorance-is-that-man-witho_1947686.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/342/sophocles-370_be-good_the-curse-of-ignorance-is-that-man-witho_1947686.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“The curse of ignorance is that man without being good or evil is nevertheless satisfied with himself” — Sophocles", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Sophocles", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sophocles/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "The curse of ignorance is that...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sophocles/the-curse-of-ignorance-is-that-man-without-being-good-or-evil-is/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sophocles/the-curse-of-ignorance-is-that-man-without-being-good-or-evil-is/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```