Saying / Proverb★★★★

He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; he who does not ask a question remains a fool forever.

Also attributed to: Unknown, Confucius

The point

Asking a question risks brief embarrassment, but never asking guarantees lasting ignorance.

Scripture
Audience
Adults
To tell aloud
under a minute · 22 words

Alternate wording

Variation 123 words

The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.

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Asking a question risks brief embarrassment, but never askin