It is impossible to learn that which one thinks one already knows, Epictetus says. You can't learn if you think you already know.
In his book "The Ego Is the Enemy," Ryan Holiday emphasizes a crucial lesson from the Stoic philosopher Epictetus. The essence of this lesson is that having a mindset of certainty about one's knowledge can be a barrier to learning. If an individual believes they already possess all the answers, they become closed off to new insights and experiences, hampering personal growth and understanding.
Holiday suggests that humility and openness are vital for effective learning. The belief that one knows everything creates a static mindset, preventing the exploration of new ideas or perspectives. To truly learn and evolve, individuals must acknowledge their ignorance and adopt a mindset that embraces curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge.