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Of all whose words I have heard, no one attains to this, to know that wisdom is apart from all.
Heraclitus
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Interpretation

What this quote means

True wisdom exists independently and transcends ordinary understanding.

This quote by Heraclitus suggests that genuine wisdom is not merely a collection of knowledge or philosophies but exists in a realm of its own, separate from conventional beliefs. The quote emphasizes the distinction between superficial knowledge and profound understanding, highlighting that true wisdom transcends societal norms and perceptions.

Themes

WisdomKnowledgeUnderstandingSeparationPhilosophy

In practice

Example use cases

During a philosophy seminar, this quote can be used to spark a discussion on the nature of wisdom.

More from Heraclitus

Good character is not formed in a week or a month. It is created little by little, day by day. Protracted and patient effort is needed to develop good character.
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Thinking is a sacred disease and sight is deceptive.
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Things of which there is sight, hearing, apprehension, these I prefer.
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Our envy always lasts longer than the happiness of those we envy.
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For when is death not within our selves? And as Heracleitus says: β€œLiving and dead are the same, and so are awake and asleep, young and old. The former when shifted are the latter, and again the latter when shifted are the former."
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Whosoever wishes to know about the world must learn about it in its particular details. Knowledge is not intelligence. In searching for the truth be ready for the unexpected. Change alone is unchanging. The same road goes both up and down. The beginning of a circle is also its end. Not I, but the world says it: all is one. And yet everything comes in season.
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A little wisdom, now and then

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