Montesquieu on wisdom

The success of most things depends upon knowing how long it will take to succeed.

Useless laws weaken the necessary laws.

I can assure you that no kingdom has ever had as many civil wars as the kingdom of Christ.

The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.

Socrates470–399 BC

By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.

Confucius551–479 BC

True wisdom comes to each of us when we realize how little we
understand about life, ourselves, and the world around us.