One day the village teacher told Hodja he intended to travel across the land to seek knowledge. When the man asked what kind of people he should look for, Hodja recalled some wise words he had once heard in the bazaar:
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 a child. Teach him.
He who knows, and knows not that he knows, is asleep. Awaken him.
He who knows, and knows that he knows, is wise. Follow him.
Hodja paused for a moment and then continued, “But you know how difficult it is, my son, to be sure that the one who knows, and knows that he knows, really knows.”