Where there is no novelty, there can be no curiosity.
Aphra BehnRead
Of all that writ, he was the wisest bard, who spoke this mighty truth- He that knew all that ever learning writ, Knew only this-that he knew nothing yet.
Interpretation
True wisdom lies in recognizing the limits of one's knowledge.
This quote suggests that the greatest understanding comes from acknowledging one's ignorance. It highlights the paradox of knowledge—while one may accumulate information and learning, the wisest individuals realize that there is always more to learn, and true wisdom stems from an awareness of this continuous pursuit of knowledge.
In practice
This quote would be appropriate in a philosophy class discussing the nature of knowledge.
Where there is no novelty, there can be no curiosity.
No friend to Love like a long voyage at sea.
That perfect tranquillity of life, which is nowhere to be found but in retreat, a faithful friend and a good library.
As love is the most noble and divine passion of the soul, so is it that to which we may justly attribute all the real satisfactions of life, and without it, man is unfinished, and unhappy.
One hour of right-down love is worth an age of dully living on.
Here lies a Proof that Wit can never be Defence enough against Mortality
No man is your enemy, no man is your friend, every man is your teacher.
I hate luxury. I exercise moderation…It will be easy to forget your vision and purpose one you have fine clothes, fast horses and beautiful women. [In which case], you will be no better than a slave, and you will surely lose everything.
The most evident difference springs from the important part which is played in man by a relatively strong power of imagination and by the capacity to think, aided as it is by language and other symbolically devices.
The most important quality for an investor is temperament, not intellect. You need a temperament that neither derives great pleasure from being with the crowd or against the crowd.
All the lessons of history in four sentences: Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad with power. The mills of God grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly small. The bee fertilizes the flower it robs. When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.
Silence the angry man with love. Silence the ill-natured man with kindness. Silence the miser with generosity. Silence the liar with truth.
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