I know that I know nothing. The quote of Socrates is an opened door to think and analyze. There are so many interpretations & discussions. It interprets into so many meanings. What do we know from this phrase? There is no significant explanation from Socrates regarding to the quote, I know that I know nothing. Actually, it is derived from his disciple, Plato.

Think about yourself; deeply and honestly. What do you know? Do you know everything? Are they perfect? Have you ever felt that you are nothing? Did not you update the knowledge, which was outdated or false? Look around you and see how people act like they know everything. We all like to show that we are perfect, wise and we know all. Practically, we fight with our inner sense due insufficient. Literally, it seems like cover up story.

Philosophy is bulk of questions in order to know. When we question more & deeper, we can gain more knowledge or wisdom. There will not conclusion, but searching & questions. If you come to conclusions, it would open another door to search more. Do you get my point? Well, look at the kids. They always ask questions. Why they want to know and they are not shy to questions? We, adults reach certain level of knowledge and satisfy ourselves. But, remember they journey to the knowledge is very long.

Does the phrase indicate that Socrates did not know anything? Great Greek philosopher paved the way for searching. If the great philosopher was able to say I know that I know nothing, how far I would say? An example: I know that tomorrow I will travel to New York. All pre arrangements are well prepared. There is NO possibility of cancelling schedule or travelling. Actually, I assume and I have faith. What will happen if I die tonight? Did I know that tomorrow I will not travel to New York?

I know that I know nothing

I have heard that mediators meditate this phrase to become humble person by reducing ego, which wants to act ‘I know everything’. When you start to reject opinions, suggestions, advices & knowledge, understand that you are missing so many things, which cannot gain just though college degree. Even you can learn from mad person. The world is full of knowledge. You can get from it when you open to hear.

I remember a Zen story, which tells how ego puts obstacle to knowledge. A professor visited to monastery to know about Zen. The Zen master was serving tea while discussing. The master was pouring tea into cup. Tea reached to the brim, and then master kept pouring. The professor watched the overflowing and he could not control his feeling. "Oh, look at. It's overflowing. You can’t pour in". The professor was confused. "Yes! You are like this tea cup", the monk said, "How can I teach you Zen knowledge unless you empty your cup?"

We feel we know everything. This is ego driven pre-idea. If we know yourself and our limits, we can say "I know that I know nothing".

I know that I know nothing

• Wikipedia: I know that I know nothing
• Zen philosophy: Empty your cup
• Psycology: Stage of Cognitive Development