Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson

If a man knew anything, he would sit in a corner and be modest; but he is such an ignorant peacock, that he goes bustling up and down, and hits on extraordinary discoveries.

If a man knew anything, he would sit in a corner and be mode

Summary

This quote suggests that true knowledge humbles a person and encourages modesty. It implies that those who claim to know a lot are often ignorant individuals who confidently parade their limited knowledge as if they have made groundbreaking discoveries. The quote emphasizes the irony of their behavior, as they tirelessly search for extraordinary findings without recognizing their own lack of understanding. In essence, it highlights the contrast between genuine knowledge, which cultivates humility, and pseudo-intellectualism, which manifests as arrogant self-assurance.

Topics

Discovery

By Ralph Waldo Emerson

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