For one word a man is deemed wise and for one word he is deemed foolish. We should be careful indeed what we say.
—Confucius (551–479 BCE) Chinese Philosopher
The child, offered the mother’s breast,
Will not in the beginning grab it;
But soon it clings to it with zest.
And thus at wisdom’s copious breasts
You’ll drink each day with greater zest.
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) German Poet
Wisdom is oft times nearer when we stoop than when we soar.
—William Wordsworth (1770–1850) English Poet
Wisdom oft times consists of knowing what to do next.
—Herbert Hoover (1874–1964) 31st American President
A town which has no school should be abolished.
—The Talmud Sacred Text of the Jewish Faith
Arrogance diminishes wisdom.
—Arabic Proverb
When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost.
—German Proverb
Anyone who strays too far from the majority view or the conventional wisdom is bound to be labeled “arrogant,” “a maverick,” “a Wildman,” “weird,” or even “crazy”.
—John Eliot (b.1971) American Psychologist, Academic
Any one can get angry — that is easy — or give or spend money; but to do this to the right person, to the right extent, at the right time, with the right motive, and in the right way, that is not for every one, nor is it easy.
—Aristotle (384BCE–322BCE) Ancient Greek Philosopher, Scholar
The wisest of the wise may err.
—Aeschylus (525–456 BCE) Greek Playwright
There often seems to be a playfulness to wise people, as if either their equanimity has as its source this playfulness or the playfulness flows from the equanimity; and they can persuade other people who are in a state of agitation to calm down and manage a smile.
—Edward Hoagland (b.1932) American Essayist, Novelist
The chief thing is not learning, but the deed.
—The Talmud Sacred Text of the Jewish Faith
The beginning of wisdom is to call things by their right names.
—Chinese Proverb
There is a time when a man distinguishes the idea of felicity from the idea of wealth; it is the beginning of wisdom.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
I believe that all wisdom consists in caring immensely for a few right things, and not caring a straw about the rest.
—John Buchan, 1st Baron Tweedsmuir (1875–1940) Scottish Novelist, Politician, Diplomat
Of all the paths a man could strike into, there is, at any given moment, a best path … a thing which, here and now, it were of all things wisest for him to do … to find this path, and walk in it, is the one thing needful for him.
—Thomas Carlyle (1795–1881) Scottish Historian, Essayist
The sage never tries to store things up. The more he does for others, the more he has. The more he gives to others, the greater his abundance.
—Laozi (fl.6th Century BCE) Chinese Philosopher, Sage
Wisdom is a tree and active virtue is its fruit.
—The Talmud Sacred Text of the Jewish Faith
Better be happy than wise.
—Unknown
It is always easier to fight for one’s principles than to live up to them.
—Alfred Adler (1870–1937) Austrian Psychiatrist
Wisdom in a poor man is a diamond set in lead.
—Thomas Fuller (1608–61) English Cleric, Historian
A word to the wise is not sufficient if it doesn’t make sense.
—James Thurber
Living in an age of extraordinary events and revolutions, I have learned, from thence this truth, which I desire might be communicated to posterity: that all is vanity which is not honest, and that there is no solid wisdom but in real piety.
—John Evelyn (1620–1706) English Restoration Diarist, Writer
Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler.
—Albert Einstein (1879–1955) German-born Physicist
Wisdom makes but a slow defense against trouble, though at last a sure one.
—Oliver Goldsmith (1730–74) Irish Novelist, Playwright, Poet
Applicants for wisdom, do what I have done: Inquire within.
—Heraclitus (535BCE–475BCE) Ancient Greek Philosopher
The wisest man is he who does not believe he is wise.
—Indian Proverb
He that sympathizes in all the happiness of others, perhaps himself enjoys the safest happiness; and he that is warned by the folly of others has perhaps attained the soundest wisdom.
—Charles Caleb Colton (c.1780–1832) English Clergyman, Aphorist
Wisdom allows nothing to be good that will not be so forever; no man to be happy but he that needs no other happiness than what he has within himself; no man to be great or powerful that is not master of himself.
—Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca) (c.4 BCE–65 CE) Roman Stoic Philosopher, Statesman, Tragedian
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom; and with all your getting get understanding.
—The Holy Bible Scripture in the Christian Faith