The Four Realms of Life: Not knowing that you don't know, knowing that you don't know, not knowing that you know, knowing that you know.
In front of 'self', 'knowing' or 'not knowing' refers to a person's awareness of their own level, known as 'self-awareness', which is the clarity of self-recognition. Behind 'self', 'knowing' or 'not knowing' refers to a person's awareness of external objects, which is usually referred to as 'knowledge'.
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'Not knowing that you don't know' means being so confused that you are unaware of whether you know or don't know anything at all.
'Knowing that you don't know' means being aware of your limits and having self-awareness, avoiding tasks beyond your capabilities.
'Not knowing that you know' means having a certain level of mastery in a specific knowledge area, but not realizing that you have reached that level.
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This is the critical point where enlightenment occurs.
'Knowing that you know' means having reached enlightenment, understanding not only the facts but also the reasons behind them.
