ProverbWisdomGreek origin

Wisdom begins in wonder

Meaning: Curiosity and a sense of amazement at the world are the foundations of all knowledge.

Who said it? Socrates, in Plato's Theaetetus

Origin: From Plato's dialogue Theaetetus, where Socrates says that wonder is the feeling of a philosopher, and philosophy begins in wonder. Aristotle repeats the thought in his Metaphysics.

Equivalents in German

  • German: Die Philosophie beginnt mit dem Staunen (literally: Philosophy begins with wondering/astonishment)

Explore another collection: False Friends

Words that look familiar in another language but mean something else entirely.

  • Bra Actually means 'good'. Det är bra = That's good.
  • Glass Actually means 'ice cream'. En glass = an ice cream. For a glass (vessel), say ett glas.
  • Semester Actually means 'holiday' or 'vacation'. A school semester is en termin.

Browse all false friends →

Keep exploring

Explore all proverbs →