Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
The wise man knows nothing if he cannot benefit from his wisdom. Wisdom is not only to be acquired, but also to be utilized.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Wisdom is valuable only when it is applied for the benefit of oneself and others.
This quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero emphasizes that true wisdom extends beyond mere knowledge; it must be applied to have real value. A wise individual recognizes that understanding must lead to action that benefits themselves and those around them, reinforcing the idea that wisdom without application is incomplete.
Themes
WisdomKnowledgeApplicationBenefitUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
During a workshop on personal development, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of applying learned principles.
More from Marcus Tullius Cicero
All quotes βThose wars are unjust which are undertaken without provocation. For only a war waged for revenge or defence can actually be just.
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Orators are most vehement when their cause is weak.
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Nothing contributes to the entertainment of the reader more, than the change of times and the vicissitudes of fortune.
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No one has the right to be sorry for himself for a misfortune that strikes everyone.
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Advice in old age is foolish; for what can be more absurd than to increase our provisions for the road the nearer we approach to our journey's end.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
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