Fools Quotes
The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool.
"The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool."— William Shakespeare
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Meaning of this quote
Confidence in one's own wisdom can conceal ignorance, while genuine insight includes recognizing limits. Touchstone uses the contrast in a comic exchange, so the lesson also carries his characteristic verbal play.
Key takeaway:
Let awareness of what you do not know guide learning.
Origin of the quote
As You Like It, Act 5, Scene 1. Touchstone invokes the saying while speaking with William.
Who actually said this?
VerifiedThe wording appears in the Folger edition of the play. Touchstone presents it as a saying within the dialogue; its presence verifies Shakespeare's use, not necessarily invention of the underlying idea.
