“The learned man knows that he is ignorant.”
- February 26, 1802 – May 22, 1885
- Born in France
- Author, poet, playwright
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Quote
“The learned man knows that he is ignorant.”
Explanation
In this quote, Victor Hugo highlights a paradox about knowledge: the more one learns, the more one becomes aware of the vastness of what is still unknown. A truly learned person, in Hugo’s view, does not boast about their knowledge or claim to have all the answers; instead, they recognize that ignorance is an inevitable part of human understanding. As one acquires more knowledge, they begin to see how much remains outside their grasp, and this awareness of their own limitations is what distinguishes true learning from arrogance or superficial understanding.
Hugo’s words reflect his belief that wisdom is rooted in humility and the acknowledgment that no matter how much we learn, there will always be more to discover. True intellectual growth comes not from knowing everything, but from recognizing how much is still unknown and being open to learning more.
In modern terms, this quote speaks to the idea that knowledge and learning are not static achievements but continuous processes. It encourages us to adopt a mindset of humility in our intellectual pursuits—understanding that even as we gain expertise, we must always be aware of the limitations of our understanding and remain open to new ideas, perspectives, and discoveries. True wisdom lies not in knowing everything, but in the recognition of how much there is yet to learn.
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