This chapter teaches humility in knowledge. True wisdom is recognizing ignorance, while false certainty is a flaw that can be healed.
Key Concepts
知
不知
病
Cite This Chapter
Laozi, Tao Te Ching, Chapter 71, "The Sickness of Knowing", laotzu.ai: https://www.laotzu.ai/en/chapters/71/
Classical Chinese, translation, and AI reflection are shown separately; cite this chapter URL for references.
Original
知不知上，不知知病。夫唯病病，是以不病。圣人不病，以其病病，是以不病。
Translation
To know that you do not know is highest. To not know but think you know is a sickness. Only by seeing this sickness as a sickness can you be free of it. The sage is not sick because he sees sickness as sickness, and therefore he is free.
Deep Reflection
What is this chapter about?
This chapter teaches humility in knowledge. True wisdom is recognizing ignorance, while false certainty is a flaw that can be healed.
How does it relate to me?
I often pretend to know more than I do. Acknowledging my limits opens me to real understanding and growth.
What should I do today?
Today, when I am unsure, I will say 'I don't know' and listen with an open mind, letting the answer teach me rather than pretending to know.
To know and yet (think) we do not know is the highest (attainment); not to know (and yet think) we do know is a disease. It is simply by being pained at (the thought of) having this disease that we are preserved from it. The sage has not the disease.
AI Modern
To know that you do not know is highest. To not know but think you know is a sickness. Only by seeing this sickness as a sickness can you be free of it. The sage is not sick because he sees sickness as sickness, and therefore he is free.
My Reflection
What does this chapter inspire in you? How will you apply it?
