“I am not ashamed to confess that I am ignorant of what I do not know.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
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Quote
“I am not ashamed to confess that I am ignorant of what I do not know.”
Explanation
This quote reflects a stance of intellectual humility and honesty, where Cicero affirms that acknowledging ignorance is not a weakness, but a mark of wisdom. He asserts that one should feel no shame in admitting a lack of knowledge, as such confession is the first step toward learning and understanding. By openly recognizing the limits of his own knowledge, he rejects arrogance and embraces the philosophical ideal of lifelong inquiry.
Cicero, influenced by the Academic Skeptics, often explored the boundaries of certainty and knowledge. In this quote, he reflects a Socratic principle: true wisdom lies in knowing what one does not know. Rather than pretending to possess all answers, Cicero shows that honest ignorance is far superior to confident error. This attitude fosters open dialogue, thoughtful questioning, and continuous growth, all central to a virtuous and rational life.
In today’s world—where misinformation is widespread and certainty is often performative—Cicero’s message remains profoundly relevant. Admitting ignorance is not a sign of failure, but of integrity and intellectual maturity. His words encourage a culture of learning over pride, reminding us that the path to knowledge begins not with pretense, but with the courage to say, “I don’t know.”
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