Wisdom: As Told By The Wise

There are many different ideas about the ways in which people may gain wisdom and the ways in which people may use it. These different ideas are expressed by many of the world's leading scholars through speeches or writing. The quotes that make up this article provide us with some varying notions about wisdom so that we may draw our own conclusions based on what scholars before us have thought. These quotes allow for further discussion about what wisdom truly is and how one may attain it.

This first quote comes to us from Confucius. Confucius was a Chinese philosopher from around 500 BCE. Confucius says that, "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." This is a very relatable quote that most people can form some sort of connection with. Everyone has learned from experience and most people would probably say that the event which taught them the most was probably not an enjoyable one.

Socrates, a classical Greek philosopher, states in one of his quotes about wisdom that, "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." This was Socrates' major stance in philosophy. He came up with what we now refer to as the Socratic Method which involves asking as many and as basic questions as possible about the topic under consideration. Socrates' idea of wisdom involves the knowledge that it is not possible to truly know anything. This contrasts with Confucius' views of wisdom.

"A wise man is superior to any insults which can be put upon him, and the best reply to unseemly behavior is patience and moderation." This quote is from Moliere who was a French playwright in the 17th century. He was most known for his satirical comedies, of which he wrote twelve. Moliere's idea of wisdom puts the wise man at the top of a pedestal. Moliere believes that the wise are free from the trivialities which face the foolish.

Thomas Jefferson believed that honesty was a key factor in obtaining wisdom and he shows this through his quote which states, "Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom." This viewpoint is different from many of the other quotes in this article. Thomas Jefferson is not concerned with gaining knowledge, realizing the impossibility of gaining knowledge, or even with a wise man's status. Jefferson focuses on the qualities that make up a wise man. Thomas Jefferson thinks that honesty is the most important quality to have in the quest for wisdom.