The generality of virtuous women are like hidden treasures, they are safe only because nobody has sought after them.
Francois De La RochefoucauldRead
The strongest symptom of wisdom in man is his being sensible of his own follies.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True wisdom comes from recognizing and accepting one's own mistakes and shortcomings.
This quote by Francois De La Rochefoucauld suggests that a hallmark of true wisdom lies in an individual's ability to acknowledge their own flaws and follies. Wisdom is not merely about knowledge or experience; it encompasses self-awareness and reflection, allowing a person to learn from their missteps and grow. By being sensible of one's own follies, a wise individual can navigate life more effectively and foster deeper understanding in their interactions with others.
Themes
WisdomSelf-AwarenessFolliesGrowthReflection
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about personal growth and overcoming challenges.
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.
Francois De La RochefoucauldRead
To understand matters rightly we should understand their details; and as that knowledge is almost infinite, our knowledge is always superficial and imperfect.
Francois De La RochefoucauldRead
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