It is better to be ignorant than to be ill taught.
It is better to be ignorant than to be ill taught.
Meaning in plain English
Not knowing preferred to being taught badly contrasts acknowledged uncertainty with misleading instruction. The saying values the quality of learning rather than instruction alone.
Example
A learner admits uncertainty and looks for supported instruction instead of adopting a confident unsupported answer.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The comparison does not recommend remaining uninformed. A useful interpretation checks evidence and seeks better explanations without treating every unfamiliar lesson as false. Some mistaken understanding can be corrected, and a teacher’s reputation alone does not settle a claim’s reliability.
When to use it
Use it to discuss reliable teaching with continued learning encouraged.
Keep in mind
No universal superiority of ignorance or reason to avoid education is established.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Country attributed by the collection
China · source-attributed; earliest origin unverified
- Source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference
Supplied reference B; unit 270; PDF page 30; collection label: China
Reuse and collection notes ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · supplied collection
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Contributor-confirmed reuse permission
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
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