The collection / 847 fragments

Wisdom.

Explore passages mentioning wisdom, wise. Topic suggestions use transparent word matching, not scholarly classification. Editorial meanings and lexical matches are discovery aids, not independent authentication of a quotation.

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01c. 1872 AD

Applause.—The thinker does not need applause or the clapping of hands, provided he be sure of the clapping of his own hands: the latter, however, he cannot do without. Are there men who could also do without this, and in general without any kind of applause? I doubt it: and even as regards the wisest, Tacitus, who is no calumniator of the wise, says: quando etiam sapientibus gloriæ cupido novissima exuitur—that means with him: never.

Friedrich Nietzsche / quote

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02c. 32 AD

Many persons might have attained to wisdom had they not assumed that they already possessed it.

Seneca / quote

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03c. 1842 AD

Be of good cheer, brave spirit; steadfastly serve that low whisper thou hast served; for know, God hath a select family of sons now scattered wide thro' earth, and each alone, who are thy spiritual kindred, and each one by constant service to that inward law, is weaving the sublime proportions of a true monarch's soul. Beauty and strength, the riches of a spotless memory, the eloquence of truth, the wisdom got by searching of a clear and loving eye that seeth as God seeth. These are their gifts, and time, who keeps God's word, brings on the day to seal the marriage of these minds with thine, thy everlasting lovers.

Ralph Waldo Emerson / quote

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04In print by 1857 AD

To love and to be wise are two different things.

Traditional (French-language collection) · Unknown culture / proverb

Meaning: Affection and sound judgement are distinct, even when both matter in a relationship. A strong feeling does not by itself settle what is wise, fair or workable.

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05In print by 1857 AD

He knows enough who knows how to live and keep his own counsel.

Traditional (French-language collection) · Unknown culture / proverb

Meaning: Practical understanding includes navigating daily life and choosing what to say or keep private. The saying values discretion without claiming that silence is always the wisest response.

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06In print by 1857 AD

Fools invent fashions and wise men follow them.

Traditional (French-language collection) · Unknown culture / proverb

Meaning: Even people considered wise may follow a fashion they did not examine. The contrast questions imitation based on acceptance, without proving that every novelty or popular choice is foolish.

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07In print by 1857 AD

Though the speaker be a fool, let the hearer be wise.

Traditional (Spanish-language collection) · Unknown culture / proverb

Meaning: The hearer can exercise judgement even when the speaker does not. The saying places responsibility for a response with the listener rather than making another person’s manner dictate it.

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