Common sense (which, in truth, is very uncommon) is the best sense I know of: abide by it; it will counsel you best.
Lord ChesterfieldRead
In seeking wisdom thou art wise; in imagining that thou hast attained it - thou art a fool.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Wisdom is a pursuit; believing you have fully attained it leads to ignorance.
This quote underscores the idea that the journey toward acquiring wisdom is ongoing and never truly complete. It suggests that one should remain humble in their understanding and acknowledge that there is always more to learn, as assuming complete knowledge can lead to foolishness.
Themes
WisdomLearningKnowledgeHumilityFoolishness
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about lifelong learning, one might say this quote to emphasize the importance of remaining humble in the pursuit of knowledge.
More from Lord Chesterfield
All quotes βNever seem wiser, nor more learned, than the people you are with. Wear your learning, like your watch, in a private pocket: and do not merely pull it out and strike it; merely to show that you have one.
Lord ChesterfieldRead
If you can once engage people's pride, love, pity, ambition on your side, you need not fear what their reason can do against you.
Lord ChesterfieldRead
Merit and knowledge will not gain hearts, though they will secure them when gained.
Lord ChesterfieldRead
Firmness of purpose is one of the best instruments of success.
Lord ChesterfieldRead
Wit is so shining a quality that everybody admires it; most people aim at it, all people fear it, and few love it unless in themselves. A man must have a good share of wit himself to endure a great share of it in another.
Lord ChesterfieldRead
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