"The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance - it is the illusion of knowledge"
- Daniel J. Boorstin
About this Quote
This quote by Daniel J. Boorstin talks to the concept that knowledge can be a barrier to discovery. He suggests that the impression of knowledge can be more of an obstacle than lack of knowledge. This indicates that when we think we understand something, we may be less most likely to explore more and find something new. We may be so sure of our own knowledge that we do not bother to look for more information or consider alternative viewpoints. This can cause an absence of imagination and an absence of development. Boorstin's quote encourages us to be open to originalities and to challenge our own beliefs. He encourages us to be curious and to check out the unknown, rather than counting on what we believe we currently understand. By doing this, we can open ourselves up to new possibilities and make discoveries that we may have otherwise missed out on.
"A lawyer without history or literature is a mechanic, a mere working mason; if he possesses some knowledge of these, he may venture to call himself an architect"