Knowledge Quote by W.E.B. DuBois
““John,” she said, “does it make every one—unhappy when they study and learn lots of things?” He paused and smiled. “I am afraid it does,” he said. “And, John, are you glad you studied?” “Yes,” came the answer, slowly but positively. She watched the flickering lights upon the sea, and said thoughtfully, “I wish I was unhappy,—and—and,” putting both arms about his neck, “I think I am, a little, John.””
About This Quote
Source Short story excerpt, 1930s
The dialogue questions whether knowledge brings unhappiness and whether that is acceptable.
In simple terms: Learning can cause sadness.
Key Takeaway
Consider the emotional cost of knowledge.
Themes
education
emotion
philosophy
Mood
reflective
melancholic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- academic study
- career choices
Key Concepts
existential doubt
value of knowledge
Questions to Reflect On
- Is unhappiness a necessary part of learning?
- Can one be content without deep study?
A Different Perspective
Happiness may be independent of knowledge depth.
![“I never knew any man who had once tasted the sweetness of experimental knowledge, that ever afterward fasted after ye Vapour garlick and onions of phantasmatical seeming philosophy." [William Petty]” quote by Carl Zimmer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e5a/carl-zimmer-16331_knowledge_i-never-knew-any-man-who-had-once-tasted_1770.jpg)
