Source identified
Read & copy the quotation
“For herein is the evil of ignorance, that he who is neither good nor wise is nevertheless satisfied with himself: he has no desire for that of which he feels no want.”
- Source
- Symposium
- Date
- c. 385–370 BCE
- Local voice
- Reported speaker · Diotima, recounted by Socrates
- English wording
- Benjamin Jowett — Translator · from Ancient Greek
Meaning of “For herein is the evil of ignorance, that…”
Ignorance becomes difficult to correct when a person feels no lack in understanding, because satisfaction with one’s present judgment removes the motivation to seek what is missing.
Where does it come from?
Symposium, Socrates recounting Diotima’s teaching, Benjamin Jowett translation, Project Gutenberg #1600. Diotima is a reported speaker within the dialogue; the passage is philosophical argument about ignorance and desire for wisdom.
Why the local voice matters
Socrates reports Diotima’s teaching in Symposium.
