The generality of virtuous women are like hidden treasures, they are safe only because nobody has sought after them.
Francois De La RochefoucauldRead
He who lives without folly isn't so wise as he thinks.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True wisdom includes an understanding of one's own follies and imperfections.
This quote suggests that a person who does not acknowledge their own mistakes and imperfections may lack true wisdom. It highlights the importance of recognizing folly as a part of the human experience, implying that accepting our shortcomings can lead to deeper insight and understanding of ourselves and others.
Themes
WisdomFollySelf-AwarenessUnderstandingKnowledge
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on learning from past mistakes, this quote could be used to emphasize the importance of accepting our flaws.
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.
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