Observe, record, tabulate, communicate. Use your five senses. Learn to see, learn to hear, learn to feel, learn to smell, and know that by practice alone you can become expert.
William OslerRead
The philosophies of one age have become the absurdities of the next, and the foolishness of yesterday has become the wisdom of tomorrow.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Philosophical ideas often shift in relevance and meaning over time, with what was once deemed foolish sometimes becoming wise as perspectives change.
This quote by William Osler reflects the dynamic nature of wisdom and philosophy through the ages. It suggests that ideas and beliefs that are considered rational or wise in one generation may be viewed as absurd or foolish in the next, while those deemed foolish can later be recognized as insightful. This highlights the importance of perspective and the evolving nature of knowledge, reminding us that what we understand today may not hold the same value in the future.
Themes
PhilosophyWisdomChangePerspectiveKnowledge
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about innovation, you could illustrate how past beliefs have evolved and how they inform our future decisions.
More from William Osler
All quotes βThere is no more difficult art to acquire than the art of observation, and for some men it is quite as difficult to record an observation in brief and plain language.
William OslerRead
One of the first duties of the physician is to educate the masses not to take medicine.
William OslerRead
No bubble is so iridescent or floats longer than that blown by the successful teacher.
William OslerRead
The young physician starts life with 20 drugs for each disease, and the old physician ends life with one drug for 20 diseases.
William OslerRead
Let each hour of the day have its allotted duty, and cultivate that power of concentration which grows with its exercise.
William OslerRead
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The realization of ignorance is the first act of knowing.
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The Devil is in the details, but so is salvation.
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Anyone who thinks they have a monopoly on truth, and there is only one way to see the world, always gets us into trouble.
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The mind that becomes soiled in youth can never again be washed clean. I know this by my own experience, & to this day I cherish an unappeased bitterness against the unfaithful guardians of my young life, who not only permitted but compelled me to read an unexpurgated Bible through before I was 15 years old. None can do that and ever draw a clean sweet breath again on this side of the grave.
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