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I think of the need for more wisdom in the world, to deal with the knowledge that we have. At one time we had wisdom, but little knowledge. Now we have a great deal of knowledge, but do we have enough wisdom to deal with that knowledge?
Jonas Salk
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Wisdom is essential to effectively apply the knowledge we possess today.

In this quote, Jonas Salk emphasizes the importance of wisdom in an age overflowing with knowledge. He points out the historical transition from a time when wisdom was more prevalent, albeit accompanied by limited knowledge, to our current era where the sheer volume of knowledge available raises questions about our ability to use it wisely. Salk urges for a balance, suggesting that without wisdom, knowledge can become overwhelming and potentially harmful.

Themes

WisdomKnowledgeUnderstandingBalanceEducation

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about education reform, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of teaching critical thinking skills alongside factual knowledge.

More from Jonas Salk

It is always with excitement that I wake up in the morning wondering what my intuition will toss up to me, like gifts from the sea. I work with it and rely on it. It's my partner.
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Life is an error-making and an error-correctin g process, and nature in marking man's papers will grade him for wisdom as measured both by survival and by the quality of life of those who survive.
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In my view, art and the approach to life through art, using it as a vehicle for education and even for doing science is so vital that it is part of a great new revolution that is taking place. I believe we are entering a whole new epoch.
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There is hope in dreams, imagination, and in the courage of those who wish to make those dreams a reality.
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Reply when questioned on the safety of the polio vaccine he developed: It is safe, and you can't get safer than safe.
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I'm saying that we should trust our intuition. I believe that the principles of universal evolution are revealed to us through intuition. And I think that if we combine our intuition and our reason, we can respond in an evolutionary sound way to our problems.
Jonas SalkRead

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A little wisdom, now and then

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