Sunday, February 10, 2013

Knowing that you don't know


I'm currently reading about a fascinating movement in the 14th century called the "Sarbedars" who operated in Khorasan (somewhat near modern day Mashhad). They're a fascinating bunch and during their rule a prominent poet by the name of Ibn Yamin emerges, who composes these funny lines (variations of this still abound in modern Persian):

One who knows and knows that he knows... His horse of wisdom will reach the skies.
One who knows, but doesn't know that he knows... He is fast asleep, so you should wake him up!
One who doesn't know, but knows that he doesn't know... His limping mule will eventually get him home.
One who doesn't know and doesn't know that he doesn't know... He will be eternally lost in his hopeless oblivion!




آن کس که بداند و بداند که بداند
اسب خرد از گنبد گردون بجهاند
آن کس که بداند و نداند که بداند
آگاه نمایید که بس خفته نماند
آن کس که نداند و بداند که نداند
لنگان خرک خویش به منزل برساند
آن کس که نداند و نداند که نداند
در جهل مرکب ابدالدهر بماند

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