An anonymous proverb

Full four-part English version in print by 1885 · variously called an Arabic, Persian & Chinese proverb

This is a traditional proverb, not a line from any identified writer. Its English form built up over the 1800s: a three-part “Oriental maxim” circulated by 1866, and the complete four-part “knows / knows not” ladder appeared as an “Arabic proverb” by 1885. Over the years it has been labelled Arabic, Persian, Chinese and Confucian, and — most recently and just as baselessly — pinned on Bruce Lee.

Traced to source

1 quote we’ve traced

“He who knows not, and knows not he knows not, is a fool; shun him. He who knows not, and knows he knows not, is simple; teach him. He who knows, and knows not he knows, is asleep; awaken him. He who knows, and knows he knows, is wise; follow him”

Disputed

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