“If I am fool, it is, at least, a doubting one; and I envy no one the certainty of his self-approved wisdom.”

Meaning

The speaker says that if he is foolish, his foolishness is mixed with doubt rather than blind confidence. He also says he does not envy people who feel completely sure of their own wisdom.

When It Was Said

1813

Who It Was Said To

Historical Context

Journal for Saturday, 27th November 1813; quoted in Letters and Journals of Lord Byron by Thomas Moore (1830), Vol III, Chap. XVII, p. 208.

Source

Journal for Saturday, 27th November 1813; Quoted in Letters and Journals of Lord Byron by Thomas Moore (1830), Vol III, Chap. XVII, p. 208

Original Language & Translation

Originally said in English.

Did They Really Say It?

Listed with a cited source on Wikiquote.

Did You Know?

Cited with a source on Wikiquote: Journal for Saturday, 27th November 1813; quoted in Letters and Journals of Lord Byron by Thomas Moore (1830), Vol III, Chap. XVII, p. 208.