We ought not to extract pernicious honey from poison blossoms of misrepresentation and mendacious half-truth, to pamper the course appetite of bigotry and self-love.
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeRead
Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Wisdom is often seen as a heightened form of common sense that stands out in the world.
This quote by Samuel Taylor Coleridge emphasizes that true wisdom is the ability to apply common sense in meaningful and insightful ways. While common sense is something everyone possesses to varying degrees, wisdom is recognized when it is demonstrated exceptionally, leading to sound judgment and understanding in complex situations.
Themes
WisdomCommon SenseKnowledgeUnderstandingJudgment
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about critical thinking, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of wisdom in decision-making.
More from Samuel Taylor Coleridge
All quotes βAnd all who heard should see them there, And all should cry, Beware! Beware! His flashing eyes, his floating hair! Weave a circle round him thrice, And close your eyes with holy dread, For he on honey-dew hath fed, And drunk the milk of Paradise.
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeRead
Often do the spirits stride on before the event; and in today already walks tomorrow.
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeRead
Mr. Lyell's system of geology is just half the truth, and no more. He affirms a great deal that is true, and he denies a great deal which is equally true; which is the general characteristic of all systems not embracing the whole truth.
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeRead
To believe and to understand are not diverse things, but the same things in different periods of growth.
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeRead
I look'd to Heav'n, and try'd to pray; But or ever a prayer had gusht, A wicked whisper came and made My heart as dry as dust.
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeRead
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It is generally much more shameful to lose a good reputation than never to have acquired it.
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Truth has to be given in riddles. People can't take truth if it comes charging at them like a bull. The bull is always killed. You have to give people the truth in a riddle, hide it so they go looking for it and find it piece by piece; that way they learn to live with it.
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