When you know a thing, to hold that you know it, and when you do not know a thing, to allow that you do not know it – this is knowledge.

Meaning

The message behind “When you know a thing, to hold that you know it, and when you do not know a thing, to allow that you do not know it – this is knowledge.” revolves around wisdom. It suggests that wisdom grows through experience, making it relatable to many people's experiences.

Theme

The theme of wisdom appears frequently in reflections and literature. People return to it because people seek clarity and insight. Quotes on this topic often remind us that every moment can teach something.

About the Author

Many popular reflections are credited to Confucius, including this one. Their words often comment on themes like wisdom.

Style and Structure

The phrasing is minimalistic, using contrast to focus attention on the core idea.

FAQ

What does this quote mean?
wisdom grows through experience.

Why is it popular?
It speaks clearly about wisdom, making it widely relatable.

How can it be applied?
It encourages us to we think before acting.