«I only know that I don’t know anything« It is, without a doubt, one of the most famous and repeated phrases in philosophy. It is attributed to the great Greek philosopher Socrates and, although there are no records that he pronounced it exactly with these words, there is represents his way of thinking and his method of inquiry and search for the truth through dialogue and questioning.
But what exactly does this phrase mean? How is it possible that one of the most influential thinkers of all time recognized his ignorance in this way? Let’s see how this famous quote is interpreted.
Origin of the phrase “I only know that I don’t know anything”
There is a certain controversy over the exact origin of the phrase «I only know that I don’t know anything«but it is believed that it probably comes from the story that Plato, the most famous of Socrates’ disciplesmakes his dialogues with his teacher in the Apology.
In this work, Socrates states «I, who also don’t know, don’t believe either.«, and what has penetrated our collective imagination is a later periphrasis of this phrase that does not appear with these exact words in Plato’s writings.
The origin of the phrase would be related to the Oracle of Delphi. Located in a sanctuary dedicated to god Apollopeople went to the oracle to know the future. On one occasion, the priestess (or Pythia) who was guiding him responded to a question from Chaerephon, a friend of Socrates, that the latter was the wisest man in Athens.
Puzzled by this sentence from the Oracle of Delphi, Socrates questioned other people considered wise and he realized that they falsely believed that they possessed knowledge. He realized that His own wisdom came from the recognition that he didn’t know all the answers.but he was willing to learn and question everything.
Said: «This man, on the one hand, believes he knows something, while he does not know. [nada]. On the other hand, I, who also do not know [nada]I don’t think so either [saber algo] » (Apology, 21d).
This encounter with the oracle transformed Socrates’ philosophy and influenced his focus on dialogue and the search for truth.
Socrates, the philosopher of doubt
Born in Athens around 470 BC. c.Socrates is considered the founder of Western philosophy. The son of a sculptor and a midwife, he initially practiced his father’s trade, but later dedicated himself to philosophy.
He developed a questioning method, now known as the «Socratic method»to examine people’s beliefs and expose the weaknesses in their thinking.
His approach, which often highlighted the ignorance and hypocrisy of his interlocutors, earned him some criticism and, in the year 399 BC. C., Socrates was accused of corrupting youth and impiety (i.e. not believing in Gods). Although he had the opportunity to escape, he accepted the jury’s verdict and was sentenced to death by drinking a cup of hemlock, a powerful poison.
Socrates left no writings of his own.but his thoughts have reached us through those of his disciples, especially Plato and Xenophon.
Meaning of the phrase «I only know that I don’t know anything«
Socrates believed that human wisdom begins with the recognition of one’s own ignorance. and this is the first thing we can extract from the famous phrase «I only know that I don’t know anything«, which, although not a direct quote from Socrates, does condense his philosophy.
The phrase symbolizes intellectual humility and the Socratic principle of questioning.. And the «Socratic method», a form of dialogue in which he asked probing questions to stimulate critical thinking and expose contradictions in the beliefs of his interlocutors, he sought to achieve the truth by questioning pre-established assumptions and thoughts.
true wisdomAccording to Socrates, It begins with the awareness of one’s own ignorance and the recognition of limits. Admitting that you don’t have all the answers is the first step toward learning and understanding.
How to apply the phrase «I just know that I don’t know anything«in everyday life
Socrates’ famous phrase «I only know that I don’t know anything«continues to have profound relevance in today’s world.
In a world where we often people hold on to their beliefs with their eyes closedthe perspective that this phrase offers us encourages cultivate intellectual humility and to recognize the immensity of human knowledge and the limits of our own understanding. Only then can we open ourselves to new ideas and perspectivesbetter accept our mistakes and learn from them.
On the other hand, acknowledging ignorance can serve as a drive for learning and personal growth, to maintain curiosity and to open ourselves to new interests.
In the era of fake newsapplying Socratic questioning is very useful for practice critical thinking and question the sources and validity of the information that reaches us, as well as to avoid hasty judgments based on incomplete information.