Who said “The only fence against the world is a thorough knowledge of it.”?

Verified

John Locke. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceSome Thoughts Concerning Education (1693)

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

Source checked · Something wrong? Report a correction

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Some Thoughts Concerning Education (1693).

APA

Locke, J. (n.d.). The only fence against the world is a thorough knowledge of it. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/4233-the-only-fence-against-the-world-is-a/

MLA

Locke, John. “The only fence against the world is a thorough knowledge of it.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/4233-the-only-fence-against-the-world-is-a/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Locke, John. “The only fence against the world is a thorough knowledge of it.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/4233-the-only-fence-against-the-world-is-a/.