Story of One who had a Little Knowledge

A certain man knew something of astronomy and his head, in consequence, was filled with pride. Journeying far, he visited Kūshyār,[23] the sage, who turned his eyes from him and would teach him nothing. When the disappointed traveller was on the point of leaving, Kūshyār addressed him with these words:

“Thou imaginest that thou art full of knowledge. How can a vessel that is full receive of more? Rid thyself of thy pretensions, so that thou mayest be filled. Being full of vanity, thou goest empty.”