Being ignorant is not so much a shame, as being unwilling to learn. — Benjamin Franklin · Smartyfair

Being ignorant is not so much a shame, as being unwilling to learn.

Benjamin Franklin1706–1790 · inventor · 1700s AmericaBenjamin Franklin was an inventor, writer, and one of America's founding fathers who helped draft the Declaration of Independence — and was the only Founding Father to sign all four key documents of independence: the Declaration, the Treaty of Alliance with France, the Treaty of Paris, and the Constitution.34 quotes

Source foundLearning1700s

In plain words

Not knowing something isn't shameful - refusing to learn it is.

Look up a word

Where these words come from

How sure this is: 90% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up: Poor Richard's Almanack (aphorism #76), Franklin's own annual almanac, published Philadelphia 1733-1758.
Work: Poor Richard's Almanack
Occasion: 1733-1758 · Philadelphia · annual almanac aphorism
Sources checked: en.wikisource.orgChecked using claude-sonnet-5, 21 August 2026aphorism #76, fetched and confirmed

Nothing made from these words yet — Storyfaire is where they get made.

More from Benjamin Franklin

Human felicity is produced not so much by great pieces of good fortune that seldom happen, as by little advantages that occur every day.

Benjamin Franklin Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.

Benjamin Franklin Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.

Benjamin Franklin Lose no time; be always employ'd in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.

Benjamin Franklin Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.

Benjamin Franklin Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.

Benjamin Franklin

More on learning

A single conversation with a wise man is worth a month's study of books.Chinese proverb The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.

Aristotle Study the past if you would define the future.

Confucius By three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection; second, by imitation; third, by experience.

Confucius Do not be guilty of possessing a library of learned books while lacking learning yourself.

Erasmus Learning is a kind of natural food for the mind.