QuoteProject
Further, there are things of which the mind understands one part, but remains ignorant of the other; and when man is able to comprehend certain things, it does not follow that he must be able to comprehend everything.
Maimonides
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Understanding is limited; one can grasp some aspects while remaining unaware of others.

This quote by Maimonides emphasizes the concept that human understanding is inherently limited. While individuals may gain insight into certain truths or concepts, it does not automatically imply that they can grasp the entirety of all knowledge or complexity. It highlights the importance of humility in our pursuit of wisdom, acknowledging both what we know and what we do not know.

Themes

UnderstandingKnowledgeWisdomHumilityLimitations

In practice

Example use cases

A speaker at a philosophy conference discussing the nature of knowledge.

More from Maimonides

If men possessed wisdom, which stands in the same relation to the form of man as the sight to the eye, they would not cause any injury to themselves or to others; for the knowledge of truth removes hatred and quarrels, and prevents mutual injuries.
MaimonidesRead
There are eight rungs in charity. The highest is when you help a man to help himself.
MaimonidesRead
God who preceded all existence is a refuge.
MaimonidesRead
When man possesses a good, sound body that does not overpower him nor disturb the equilibrium in him, he possesses a divine gift. In short, a good constitution facilitates the rule of the soul over the body, but it is not impossible to conquer a bad constitution by training.
MaimonidesRead
If the whole earth is infinitely small in comparison with the sphere of the stars, what is man compared with all these created beings!
MaimonidesRead
One should see the world, and see himself as a scale with an equal balance of good and evil. When he does one good deed the scale is tipped to the good - he and the world is saved. When he does one evil deed the scale is tipped to the bad - he and the world is destroyed.
MaimonidesRead

Similar quotes

All merely graceful attributes are usually the most evanescent.
Nathaniel HawthorneRead
We don't make mistakes; we just have happy accidents.
Bob RossRead
The Bible does not thrill; the Bible nourishes. Give time to the reading of the Bible and the recreating effect is as real as that of fresh air physically.
Oswald ChambersRead
I have not eaten enough of the tree of knowledge, though in my profession I am obligated to feed on it regularly.
Albert EinsteinRead
Nothing is often a good thing to do and always a good thing to say.
Will DurantRead
The weak are dominated by their ego, the wise dominate their ego, and the intelligent are in a constant struggle against their ego.
Hamza YusufRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.

Quote by Maimonides | QuoteProject