Fullness of knowledge always means some understanding of the depths of our ignorance; and that is always conducive to humility and reverence.

The quote, “Fullness of knowledge always means some understanding of the depths of our ignorance; and that is always conducive to humility and reverence,” is attributed to Robert Andrews Millikan, the American experimental physicist and Nobel Prize winner best known for his oil-drop experiment measuring the charge of the electron. Millikan, while deeply engaged in advancing science, also reflected on the philosophy of knowledge and the human condition. This statement highlights his recognition that the more one learns, the more one becomes aware of how vast and mysterious the universe truly is.

The first part, “fullness of knowledge… understanding of the depths of our ignorance,” emphasizes that true knowledge does not create arrogance but instead reveals how much remains unknown. For Millikan, genuine learning expands awareness of human limitations, showing that even great discoveries are small steps compared to the mysteries that lie ahead. This echoes the ancient philosophical idea, shared by thinkers like Socrates, that wisdom begins with recognizing one’s ignorance.

The second part, “that is always conducive to humility and reverence,” points to the moral and spiritual effect of deep learning. By realizing the enormity of what we do not know, individuals are moved toward humility rather than pride, and toward reverence for the complexity of nature, existence, or even the divine. For Millikan, scientific inquiry was not just about facts but about cultivating an attitude of respect for the greater reality beyond human grasp.

Ultimately, Millikan’s quote reflects a harmony between science and philosophy. He believed that intellectual achievement should lead not to arrogance but to humility, wonder, and reverence. His words remind us that true knowledge is not about claiming mastery over truth, but about deepening our appreciation for the mysteries that remain unsolved.