Dhammapada 63

A fool who recognizes their foolishness is, in that respect, wise

A fool who recognizes their foolishness is, in that respect, wise. But a fool who thinks themselves wise is truly called a fool.

Translated from the Pāli by Banya

In plain words

Someone who recognizes their own foolishness is wise at least in that respect. Someone who is foolish but thinks themselves wise is truly called a fool.

Key words

paṇḍitamānī

thinking oneself wise — The problem is an unfounded claim to wisdom.

The story behind the verse

The pickpocket

In the commentary, Two thieves went with a crowd to hear the Buddha at Jetavana. One listened to the teaching and reached the first stage of awakening, and the other watched for a chance to steal. He took money tied to someone’s clothing, and the thief and his wife mocked the listener for failing to bring money home. The listener went to the Buddha and described their ridicule, and the Buddha taught that recognizing foolishness is itself a measure of wisdom.

Retold by Banya from the traditional commentary, after E. W. Burlingame, Buddhist Legends (1921).

Explanation by Banya. Traditional readings vary.