"His ignorance is encyclopedic"

The quote "His ignorance is encyclopedic" by Abba Eban is a paradoxical and nuanced critique. On the surface area, it seems inconsistent to associate "lack of knowledge" with something usually thought about large and detailed, like an "encyclopedia". Nevertheless, this juxtaposition is deliberate and serves to stress the depth and breadth of somebody's absence of knowledge.

Eban, a well-regarded diplomat and orator, most likely used this expression to articulate that the person's ignorance was not restricted to a couple of areas however was rather wide-ranging and profound. The comparison to an encyclopedia, a source typically trusted for its extensive info throughout many fields, suggests that the person in question displays a remarkable consistency in their misinformation or misunderstanding across various topics. Rather than merely doing not have understanding, this person may be with confidence incorrect or misdirected in many areas, making their ignorance practically systematic.

Additionally, the statement might imply a certain irony or sarcasm. Encyclopedias represent collected, arranged, and reputable understanding. To label someone's lack of knowledge in the very same method insinuates a type of unfortunately comprehensive misconception, as if they have actually managed to misinterpret or misconstrue realities throughout a spectrum as broad as what an encyclopedia would cover. It's a creative and impactful method of highlighting lack of knowledge that isn't just casual or circumstantial however entrenched and pervasive.

Additionally, the choice of words shows a criticism of not just the breadth of their ignorance however perhaps the audacity or obliviousness with which they show it. It suggests the specific may have a false self-confidence in their mistaken beliefs, providing them as fact in a manner similar to the reliable position of encyclopedic entries.

In essence, Eban's remark serves as a funny yet stinging rebuke, pointing out that ignorance, when extensive and unintentionally welcomed, can be all-inclusive and profound-- a collection as extensive as that of an encyclopedia, yet totally devoid of factual precision.