Of what use is a philosopher who doesn't hurt anybody's feelings?
DiogenesRead
There is only a finger's difference between a wise man and a fool.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Wisdom and foolishness are often separated by a small margin, highlighting the thin line between them.
This quote from Diogenes suggests that the difference between a wise person and a fool is minimal, perhaps indicating that wisdom is not as far removed from foolishness as we might think. It invites contemplation on the nature of knowledge, judgment, and the circumstances that can influence one's decisions, emphasizing humility in our pursuit of wisdom and a recognition that anyone can slip into foolishness without vigilance.
Themes
WisdomFoolishnessKnowledgeUnderstandingHumility
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion about decision-making, one might say, 'Remember, there's only a finger's difference between a wise man and a fool.'
More from Diogenes
All quotes βThe art of being a slave is to rule one's master.
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As a matter of self-preservation, a man needs good friends or ardent enemies, for the former instruct him and the latter take him to task.
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I am not an Athenian or a Greek, but a citizen of the world.
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We come into the world alone and we die alone. Why, in life, should we be any less alone?
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All things are in common among friends.
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