John Owen: 'All thing I thought I knew; but now confess, the more I know I know, I know the less.'

All thing I thought I knew; but now confess, the more I know I know, I know the less.

In John Owen's famous quote, "All thing I thought I knew; but now confess, the more I know I know, I know the less," the renowned theologian captures an intriguing paradox of knowledge. At first glance, this quote seems contradictory, as it suggests that as we strive to acquire knowledge and understanding, we actually realize how much we lack knowledge. In a straightforward interpretation, Owen's words remind us that the more we explore and learn about the world around us, the more we become aware of the vastness of knowledge and the vastness of the unknown. This quote emphasizes the humbling nature of true wisdom and the unending journey of learning and discovery.However, beyond its surface meaning, Owen's quote also gives rise to a fascinating philosophical concept known as epistemic humility. Epistemic humility refers to the recognition that our knowledge is inherently limited and that there will always be more to learn. It challenges our tendency to think that we possess comprehensive knowledge or that we have it all figured out. This concept broadens the scope of Owen's quote, inviting us to delve into the nature of knowledge itself and explore the intricacies of intellectual growth.When we embark on the lifelong pursuit of knowledge, we inevitably encounter the vast complexities and interconnectedness of the world. As our understanding deepens, we start to realize how incomplete our knowledge truly is. It is as if peering into the depths of a bottomless ocean, where the more we explore, the more we comprehend the enormity of what lies beyond our reach. Every discovery illuminates the countless questions yet to be answered, reminding us that knowledge is an ever-expanding frontier.This realization of our limited knowledge fosters intellectual humility, encouraging us to remain open-minded and receptive to new ideas. Embracing epistemic humility enables us to transcend the boundaries of our current understanding and engage in fruitful intellectual discourse with others. It encourages a spirit of curiosity, prompting us to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and constantly seek wisdom from various sources.In contrast to epistemic humility, we often witness the opposite mindset: one of intellectual arrogance. This attitude assumes that we possess exhaustive knowledge, discourages curiosity, and dismisses alternative viewpoints. Intellectual arrogance leads to stagnation and prevents personal and societal growth. Embracing epistemic humility, however, allows us to appreciate the diverse perspectives and knowledge that others bring to the table, creating a fertile ground for collaboration, innovation, and collective progress.Owen's quote serves as a timely reminder in a world bombarded with information and a society that often glorifies certainty. It encourages us to embrace the beauty of uncertainty, to acknowledge the limitations of our knowledge, and to humbly approach the pursuit of truth. In doing so, we open ourselves to a world of infinite possibilities, where the more we learn, the more we realize how much we have yet to discover.In conclusion, John Owen's quote encapsulates the fascinating paradox that as we expand our knowledge, we simultaneously become aware of the vastness of the unknown. It probes us to contemplate the nature of knowledge and introduces the concept of epistemic humility – the acknowledgement of our limited understanding and the unending journey of learning. By embracing this humility, we foster intellectual growth, promote collaboration, and remain open to the wonders that lie beyond the realm of our current comprehension. Owen's quote encourages us to revel in the pursuit of knowledge while humbly accepting the boundless mysteries that await our exploration.