He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a fool - shun him.
He who knows not, and knows that he knows not, is willing - teach him.
He who knows, and knows not that he knows, is asleep - wake him.
He who knows, and knows that he knows, is a wise man - follow him.
- ancient proverb
Sometimes attributed to Confucius - but that's not unusual. Many things are. Possibly a Persian proverb.
It's a bit smug, though, isn't it? It's clear the speaker doesn't consider him/herself a fool or asleep.
I remember reading this at Primary school - my teacher was very taken with it. I reckon she more or less figured herself for a wise teacher.
I think whoever wrote the sayings came from a point where 'He knows that he knows' in order to write what they did .. lols ..
I think many can see the above statement as coming across with a hint of arrogance perhaps ..
I tend to see the statement as being full of self assurance / conviction rather than anything else .
x daz x