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Quotes about wisdom

352 quotes from 209 people

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Anarchism is founded on the observation that since few men are wise enough to rule themselves, even fewer are wise enough to rule others.
Edward Abbey1927–1989A Voice Crying in the Wilderness (Vox Clamantis in Deserto) (1990)
- Government
Discretion is a perfection of reason, and a guide to us in all the duties of life.
Joseph Addison1672–1719The Spectator (1711–1714), No. 225 (17 November 1711)
At the same time that I think discretion the most useful talent a man can be master of, I look upon cunning to be the accomplishment of little, mean, ungenerous minds.
Joseph Addison1672–1719The Spectator, No. 225 (17 November 1711)
- Character
There are many more shining qualities in the mind of man, but there is none so useful as discretion.
Joseph Addison1672–1719The Spectator, No. 225 (17 November 1711)
Cunning is only the mimic of discretion, and may pass upon weak men in the same manner as vivacity is often mistaken for wit, and gravity for wisdom.
Joseph Addison1672–1719The Spectator, No. 225 (17 November 1711)
- Character
Look before you leap.
Aesop620–564 BCAesop’s Fables (6th century BC), The Ass, the Fox, and the Lion – The Cat and the CockIn context
- Advice
- Decisions
Self-help is the best help.
Aesop620–564 BCAesop’s Fables (6th century BC), The Lion and the Mouse – The Fawn and His MotherIn context
- Advice
- Motivation & Goals
Those who seek to please everybody please nobody.
Aesop620–564 BCAesop’s Fables (6th century BC), The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing – The Man and His Two SweetheartsIn context
- Advice
When women are the advisers, the lords of creation don’t take the advice till they have persuaded themselves that it is just what they intended to do; then they act upon it, and, if it succeeds, they give the weaker vessel half the credit of it; if it fails, they generously give her the whole.
Louisa May Alcott1832–1888Little Women (1868–1869), Part Second, Chapter XLIIn context
Like your body your mind also gets tired so refresh it by wise sayings.
AAli599–661Nahj al-Balagha
- Quotations
A fool’s mind is at the mercy of his tongue and a wise man’s tongue is under the control of his mind.
AAli599–661Nahj al-Balagha
- Talking
Knowledge is not wisdom, unless used wisely.
JAJ.D. Anderson
- Knowledge
The wise man must not be ordered but must order, and he must not obey another, but the less wise must obey him.
Aristotle384–322 BCMetaphysics, 982a.15, W. Ross, trans., The Basic Works of Aristotle (2001), p. 691.
That which is desirable on its own account and for the sake of knowing it is more of the nature of wisdom than that which is desirable on account of its results.
Aristotle384–322 BCMetaphysics, 982a16, Complete Works, vol. 2, p. 1554
- Knowledge
Everything in our political life tends to hide from us that there is anything wiser than our ordinary selves.
Matthew Arnold1822–1888Culture and Anarchy (1869), Ch. III, Barbarians, Philistines, Populace
- Politics