QuoteProject
It is best for the wise man not to seem wise.
Aeschylus
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

True wisdom is often shown in humility and the avoidance of arrogance.

This quote by Aeschylus suggests that a truly wise person does not feel the need to display their wisdom or intelligence. Instead, they understand that humility is a strength and that excessive pride can alienate others or create unnecessary conflict. By not appearing overtly wise, one allows for a more genuine exchange of ideas and learning opportunities.

Themes

WisdomHumilityIntelligencePrideCommunication

In practice

Example use cases

In a leadership seminar, one might quote this to emphasize the value of being approachable and open to input.

More from Aeschylus

A god implants in mortal guilt whenever he wants utterly to confound a house.
AeschylusRead
Neither a life of anarchy nor a life under a despot should you praise. To all that lies in the middle has a god given excellence.
AeschylusRead
In every tyrant's heart there springs in the end this poison, that he cannot trust a friend.
AeschylusRead
It is not the oath that makes us believe the man, but the man the oath.
AeschylusRead
In war, truth is the first casualty.
AeschylusRead
There is no pain so great as the memory of joy in present grief.
AeschylusRead

Similar quotes

No doubt it is an evil to be bound by laws, but it is necessary at the immature stage to be guided by rules; in other words, as the Master used to say that the sapling must be hedged round, and so on.
Swami VivekanandaRead
It is only when the formed learns from the unformed that there is understanding.
ZhuangziRead
Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.
Ralph Waldo EmersonRead
As negative thoughts produce negative actions, so positive thoughts produce positive actions.
John C. MaxwellRead
Karen, her elbows folded on the deck-rail, wanted to share with someone the pleasure in being alone: this is the paradox of any happy solitude. She had never landed at Cork, so this hill and that hill beyond were as unexpected as pictures at which you say "Oh look!" Nobody was beside her to share the moment, which would have been imperfect with anyone else there.
Elizabeth BowenRead
Yoga is nothing if it is not perfect _x000D_ harmonyof the body, senses, mind _x000D_ and intellect, reason, consciousness _x000D_ and self. When all these are integrated _x000D_ that is true yoga.
B.K.S. IyengarRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.

Quote by Aeschylus | QuoteProject