"The cleverest of all, in my opinion, is the man who calls himself a fool at least once a month"

Self-awareness is the mark of a truly intelligent individual. Dostoevsky’s observation encourages humility, urging people to periodically question their wisdom and acknowledge their limitations. The act of calling oneself a fool is not a display of genuine ignorance, but rather a willingness to recognize and confront the boundaries of one’s own understanding. In a world where intellectual arrogance often prevails, admitting the possibility of being wrong distinguishes those who continuously grow from those who remain stagnant.

Those who believe themselves infallible risk becoming closed-minded, unable to adapt or respond meaningfully to new ideas. By contrast, the person who occasionally admits folly embraces an ever-present curiosity. Self-doubt becomes a catalyst for learning, not a source of shame. Such humility is not self-deprecation, but courage, the courage to meet life’s complexities with openness instead of pride. Learning thrives in soil tilled by honest self-critique; true wisdom emerges alongside humility rather than in opposition to it.

Dostoevsky highlights the value of introspection, advocating for regular periods of self-reflection. Calling oneself a fool is a ritual of intellectual self-cleansing, dissolving the complacency that often clings to certainty. This practice makes space for new perspectives, deeper empathy, and greater understanding of the world and others. The cleverest man, therefore, is not the one who never errs or doubts, but the one who knows his vision is limited, who is candid about his blind spots, and who remains teachable throughout his life.

By normalizing the admission of imperfection, Dostoevsky proposes a form of wisdom rooted in humility, adaptability, and a relentless quest for truth. Rather than disguising insecurity, the willingness to see oneself occasionally as a fool is the foundation upon which true cleverness and growth are built.