Sanskrit Quote : Category :: Association of learned men

यदा किञ्चिज्ज्ञोऽहं द्विप इव मदान्ध: समभवम्

तदा सर्वज्ञोऽस्मीत्यभवदवलिप्तं मम मन:।

यदा किञ्चित्किञ्चिद्बुधजनसकाशादवगतं

तदा मूर्खोऽस्मीति ज्वर इव मदो मे व्यपगत:॥

English translation of Sanskrit quote :

When I had little knowledge, I had become blind by pride like an elephant (during rut). Then my mind was proud , thinking that I am an omniscient. As and when I realized bit by bit in the association of wise men, my pride waned like a fever, as I came to know that I was a fool, actually.

English commentary on Sanskrit quote:

This couplet by Bhirthrihari the celebrated author of 'Shatakatrayi', in fact summarizes what is said in Sanskrit "अल्पविद्य: महागर्वी" [little knowledge, great pride.]

We all have it in us, in varying degrees: Vanity of knowledge. For those who have a little bit of outspokenness in them, there is realization sooner or later. This is narration of realization on the part of the author, which is not different from our own stories of realization.
Possession of a bit of knowledge makes a man proud of his knowledge, by nature. This short term "elation" makes him blind to the reality about himself. He sees a large than life portrait of himself. This is likened to the behavior of an elephant in rut, when it disobeys its own leader and wanders off.

Of course, this is a short ride of the ego and lasts till his realization. The association of the learned men which comes like a boon to everyone, is enough to pin his inflated balloon of ego. A little bit of realization is enough for him to know what is amiss. Once there is realization, it does not take long of us to know the fact about us. The more we gain knowledge wise, it should make us realize our own shortcomings and make us humble and meek. Standing at the periphery of the vast ocean of Knowledge man's vanity vanishes. That is what is said in another couplet " विद्या ददाति विनयम्।"-Education is what should humble us. If it doesn't, it is not worth the exalted name "Education"