G

July    14th

A   LITTLE  KNOWLEDGE   IS  DANGEROUS

“Every  great   power   is  dangerous   for the beginner.   You must    therefore   wield   them    as  you are able,

but in  harmony with    nature.”

—EPICTETUS, DISCOURSES, 3.13.20

reat teachers are usually hardest on their most promising students. When teachers see potential, they
want it to be fully realized. But great teachers are also aware that natural ability and quick
comprehension can be quite dangerous to the student if left alone. Early promise can lead to
overconfidence and create bad habits. Those who pick things up quickly are notorious for skipping the
basic lessons and ignoring the fundamentals.
Don’t get carried away. Take it slow. Train with humility.