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Colin MacRae's avatar

And strangely but more accurately be aware that there is a limitation in what you do know. Socrates knew this as did Lao Tzu. It doesn’t mean we can’t learn. ‘Know yourself’ was Socrates’ Mantra. He used to parade around the streets of Athens proclaiming to all who would listen: ‘Know yourself!’ One day, another philosopher confronted Socrates: ‘Do you know yourself, Socrates?’ Socrates replied, ‘No, but I know of this not knowing’ Lao Tzu essentially says the same thing in the Tao: ‘to know of not-knowing’.

The more I learn, the less I know. Others have their belief systems locked and loaded and are damn certain that their belief system is the right one and since you don’t ascribe to their belief systems, you are the enemy. To know ourselves is to know the limitations of our own knowledge and our own opinions and viewpoints and to constantly reevaluate our beliefs, conceptions and perceptions as well as the opinions of others. With me, the more I learn, the more I become cognizant of my own ignorance.

‘Throw out your conceited opinions, for it is impossible for a person to begin to learn what he thinks he already knows.’ Epictetus

I believe this is what you mean by The Cloud of Unknowing? Thank-you. I appreciate it. Kind Regards Colin

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Mystic Contemplations's avatar

Great article - thank you! I had not known much about the Stoics except the most basic. Have you ever read the "Cloud of Unknowing"

Invictus ... yes!! I am enjoying your posts, very thoughtful and beautifully written.

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