Entire ignorance is not so terrible or extreme an evil, and is far from being the greatest of all; too much cleverness and too much learning, accompanied with ill bringing-up, are far more fatal.

The quote, “Entire ignorance is not so terrible or extreme an evil, and is far from being the greatest of all; too much cleverness and too much learning, accompanied with ill bringing-up, are far more fatal,” is attributed to Plato, the ancient Greek philosopher and student of Socrates. Plato often reflected on the balance between knowledge, education, and virtue in shaping a just society. In this statement, he warns that while ignorance is a limitation, it is not as dangerous as knowledge or intelligence that is misused due to poor moral formation.

The first part, “entire ignorance is not so terrible,” suggests that not knowing is a handicap but not necessarily destructive. An ignorant person may lack understanding, but they are less likely to misuse knowledge for harmful purposes. In Plato’s view, ignorance can be corrected through proper education and guidance.

The second part, “too much cleverness and too much learning, accompanied with ill bringing-up, are far more fatal,” highlights the real danger: when knowledge and intelligence are paired with bad character, poor values, or corrupt influences. Such individuals may manipulate their abilities for selfish or destructive ends, causing harm not only to themselves but also to society. This reflects Plato’s conviction that education must cultivate virtue as well as intellect.

Ultimately, the quote underscores Plato’s broader philosophy that wisdom requires both knowledge and moral character. It is not enough to be clever or well-read; without ethical grounding, knowledge becomes dangerous. In this way, Plato reminds us that the true goal of education is the harmonious development of both the mind and the soul.