“Entire ignorance is not so terrible or extreme an evil, and is far from being the greatest of all; too much cleverness and too much learning, accompanied with ill bringing-up, are far more fatal.”
- 427 BC – 347 BC
- Born in Athens, ancient Greece
- Philosopher, scholar, founder of the Academy
- A student of Socrates, his works include “The Republic” and “The Symposium,” and he had a major influence on Western philosophy with his ideas and philosopher-rulership.
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Quote
“Entire ignorance is not so terrible or extreme an evil, and is far from being the greatest of all; too much cleverness and too much learning, accompanied with ill bringing-up, are far more fatal.”
Explanation
In this quote, Plato asserts that ignorance, while undesirable, is not the worst possible state for an individual or society. He suggests that excessive cleverness or overabundance of knowledge, especially when coupled with poor upbringing or lack of moral education, can be much more harmful. Plato warns that individuals who are highly intelligent or skilled but lack virtue, wisdom, or a proper moral foundation are more dangerous than those who are simply ignorant. The idea is that knowledge or intellect without ethical grounding can lead to the misuse of one’s abilities for selfish, harmful, or immoral purposes.
This perspective is consistent with Plato’s views in works like *The Republic*, where he stresses the importance of both education and moral development. For Plato, true knowledge is not just about intellectual capability, but also about understanding the good and applying it wisely in one’s actions. A person who is well-educated but lacks moral guidance can become arrogant, manipulative, or destructive, using their knowledge or talents in ways that harm others or society. In contrast, someone who is ignorant but still has a humble, virtuous character may not cause as much harm, as their lack of knowledge does not lead them to act out of pride or self-interest.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the importance of a balanced education that emphasizes not just intellectual growth but also emotional intelligence, ethical reasoning, and personal integrity. It reminds us that knowledge without wisdom can be a dangerous combination, and that character and moral grounding are essential in guiding how we use our talents and abilities. Plato’s message encourages us to cultivate humility, virtue, and wisdom alongside intellectual achievement to ensure that knowledge is used for the greater good rather than for harmful or self-serving purposes.
