Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
Gautama BuddhaRead
The fool who thinks he is wise is just a fool. The fool who knows he is a fool is wise indeed.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True wisdom comes from recognizing one's own ignorance.
This quote by Gautama Buddha highlights the difference between genuine wisdom and mere self-deception. A person who believes they are wise without acknowledging their limitations is simply foolish, while the one who understands their own foolishness possesses real wisdom, as it shows self-awareness and humility.
Themes
WisdomFoolSelf-AwarenessIgnoranceHumility
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about personal growth and learning, this quote can serve as a reminder of the importance of humility.
More from Gautama Buddha
All quotes βA kind man who makes good use of wealth is rightly said to possess a great treasure; but the miser who hoards up his riches will have no profit.
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There are having flowers in Spring, breezes in Summer, moon in Autumn, snows in Winter. If there is nothing worrying over you, it will be the best seasons at all times.
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Make an island of yourself, make yourself your refuge; there is no other refuge. Make truth your island, make truth your refuge; there is no other refuge.
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When a wise man is advised of his errors, he will reflect on and improve his conduct. When his misconduct is pointed out, a foolish man will not only disregard the advice but rather repeat the same error.
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The tongue like a sharp knife ... Kills without drawing blood.
Gautama BuddhaRead
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