"Knowledge is recognition of something absent; it is a salutation, not an embrace"

This quote by George Santayana suggests that knowledge is not practically obtaining details that exists, but also about recognizing the lack of particular things. It suggests that understanding resembles a gesture of acknowledging something that may not be physically present. Making use of the word "salutation" highlights the reality that knowledge is more of an official acknowledgement or greeting, rather than something that is grabbed and welcomed. In other words, knowledge is not practically possessing information, however acknowledging and comprehending what is missing out on or absent and acknowledging it respectfully.