85.1 Ignorant Conceitedness

 85.1 Ignorant Conceitedness

Question:

            What is ignorant conceitedness?

Answer:

            Ignorant conceitedness is the arrogant presumption of a fool

that he is wise.                                                                        (Couplet – 844)

வெண்மை எனப்படுவ தியாதெனின் ஒண்மை

உடையம்யாம் என்னும் செருக்கு.                        (குறள் – 844)

 

Explanation:

            Socrates is considered the wisest man in the ancient Greek city of Athens because he was prepared to admit his own ignorance rather than pretend to know something he did not. As Robert Ingersol, the famous American lawyer, writer, and orator of the 19^th century, said, “The more a man knows, the more willing he is to learn. The less a man knows, the more positive he is that he knows everything...” Also, as the famous saying goes, “The empty vessel makes more noise.” The wise man knows he does not know everything and will be willing to learn more. But the one who is ignorant and conceited thinks he knows everything and will show no interest in increasing his knowledge.