diff --git a/dr_botzo/markov/ircplugin.py b/dr_botzo/markov/ircplugin.py
index 85a690d..8bbe659 100644
--- a/dr_botzo/markov/ircplugin.py
+++ b/dr_botzo/markov/ircplugin.py
@@ -74,9 +74,11 @@ class Markov(Plugin):
         target = reply_destination_for_event(event)
 
         # learn the line
-        log.debug(u"learning %s", trimmed_what)
-        context = markovlib.get_or_create_target_context(target)
-        markovlib.learn_line(trimmed_what, context)
+        recursing = getattr(event, '_recursing', False)
+        if not recursing:
+            log.debug(u"learning %s", trimmed_what)
+            context = markovlib.get_or_create_target_context(target)
+            markovlib.learn_line(trimmed_what, context)
 
         log.debug(u"searching '%s' for '%s'", what, my_nick)
         if re.search(my_nick, what, re.IGNORECASE) is not None: