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We can be knowledgeable with other men's knowledge, but we cannot be wise with other men's wisdom.
Michel De Montaigne
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Knowledge can be shared, but wisdom is gained through personal experience.

This quote by Michel De Montaigne emphasizes the distinction between knowledge and wisdom. While we can acquire information and facts from others, true wisdom comes from our own experiences and the ability to understand and apply that knowledge in a thoughtful and meaningful way. It suggests that wisdom is a personal journey that cannot simply be transferred from one person to another.

Themes

KnowledgeWisdomExperienceLearningUnderstanding

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a graduation speech to highlight the importance of personal growth.

More from Michel De Montaigne

All the world knows me in my book, and my book in me.
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All I say is by way of discourse, and nothing by way of advice. I should not speak so boldly if it were my due to be believed.
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Pythagoras used to say that life resembles the Olympic Games: a few people strain their muscles to carry off a prize; others bring trinkets to sell to the crowd for gain; and some there are, and not the worst, who seek no other profit than to look at the show and see how and why everything is done; spectators of the life of other people in order to judge and regulate their own.
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There is not much less vexation in the government of a private family than in the managing of an entire state.
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Those who have compared our life to a dream were right... we were sleeping wake, and waking sleep.
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Such as are in immediate fear of a losing their estates, of banishment, or of slavery, live in perpetual anguish, and lose all appetite and repose; whereas such as are actually poor, slaves, or exiles, ofttimes live as merrily as other folk.
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A little wisdom, now and then

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