A god implants in mortal guilt whenever he wants utterly to confound a house.
I willingly speak to those who know, but for those who do not know I forget.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the idea of engaging in meaningful conversations with knowledgeable individuals while dismissing those who lack understanding.
In this quote, Aeschylus suggests that communication and dialogue hold value when they are exchanges between knowledgeable minds. He implies a certain level of contempt for conversations that do not contribute to understanding or enlightenment, advocating for prioritizing interaction with those who are informed and capable of meaningful discourse. This can also highlight the importance of seeking out wisdom and knowledge in our discussions and relationships.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about effective communication in a seminar, this quote can emphasize the importance of engaging with knowledgeable participants.
More from Aeschylus
All quotes βNeither a life of anarchy nor a life under a despot should you praise. To all that lies in the middle has a god given excellence.
In every tyrant's heart there springs in the end this poison, that he cannot trust a friend.
It is not the oath that makes us believe the man, but the man the oath.
In war, truth is the first casualty.
There is no pain so great as the memory of joy in present grief.
Similar quotes
Even feigning surprise, pretending it was unexpected and saying a ritual thanks, is surely wiser than just expecting everything so carelessly.
Typically, when you look for role models, you want someone who has your interests and came from the same background. Well, look how restricting that is. What people should do is take role models a la carte. If there's someone whose character you appreciated, you respect that trait.
Anne laughed and sighed. She felt very old and mature and wise β which showed how young she was.
Zen is not interested in high-flown statements; it wants its pupil to bite his apple and not discuss it.
It doesn't pay to say too much when you are mad enough to choke. For the word that stings the deepest is the word that is never spoke, Let the other fellow wrangle till the storm has blown away, then he'll do a heap of thinking about the things you didn't say.
If you have a problem and you can't find a solution, you meet again tomorrow and you keep talking until you find a solution. You can disagree with behavior or a particular position, but you do not resort to calling an opponent worthless.