Leo Strauss on wisdom

It is of the essence of traditions that they cover or conceal their humble foundations by erecting impressive edifices on them.

It is as absurd to expect members of philosophy departments to be philosophers as it is to expect members of art departments to be artists.

Democracy, in a word, is meant to be an aristocracy which has broadened into a universal aristocracy.

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.