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He is a despicable sage whose wisdom does not profit himself.
Publilius Syrus
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Interpretation

What this quote means

True wisdom should benefit both the wise person and others around them.

This quote highlights the importance of wisdom being practical and beneficial. It implies that a person who possesses wisdom but fails to use it to improve their own life or the lives of others is not truly wise, but rather, despicable. The underlying message is that wisdom should lead to positive outcomes and enrichment for oneself and for society.

Themes

WisdomBenefitKnowledgeSelf-ImprovementSociety

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about the importance of applying knowledge practically.

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What a tragedy is help where it harms what it supports!
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The miser is as much in want of what he has as of what he has not.
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