The generality of virtuous women are like hidden treasures, they are safe only because nobody has sought after them.
Francois De La RochefoucauldRead
The height of cleverness is to be able to conceal it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True cleverness lies in knowing when to hide one's intelligence.
This quote by Francois De La Rochefoucauld suggests that the most astute individuals possess the skill to disguise their intellect or insights, recognizing that sometimes discretion is the better part of valor. In a world where boasting about one's cleverness can lead to envy or conflict, the ability to conceal one's intelligence can be a strategic advantage, highlighting the nuances of human interaction and the importance of subtlety in social dynamics.
Themes
ClevernessDiscretionIntellectWisdomConcealment
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote in a business meeting to emphasize the importance of strategic communication.
More from Francois De La Rochefoucauld
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Some counterfeits reproduce so very well the truth that it would be a flaw of judgment not to be deceived by them.
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Conceit causes more conversation than wit.
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The defects and faults of the mind are like wounds in the body; after all imaginable care has been taken to heal them up, still there will be a scar left behind, and they are in continual danger of breaking the skin and bursting out again.
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To understand matters rightly we should understand their details; and as that knowledge is almost infinite, our knowledge is always superficial and imperfect.
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