Literary notes about wise (AI summary)
In literature, the word "wise" is a multifaceted descriptor that not only denotes deep insight and judicious behavior but is also used to contrast moral rectitude with folly. It often characterizes individuals whose prudent judgment and thoughtful deliberation set them apart as moral beacons—ranging from sagacious rulers and counselors [1, 2, 3] to learned scholars and physicians who understand when silence is the wiser course [4, 5]. At times, "wise" serves an ironic purpose, highlighting the tension between the appearance of wisdom and the reality of imprudent or even foolish conduct [6, 7]. Moreover, its usage spans the realms of philosophy, myth, and everyday life, encapsulating both the aspiration toward sagacity and a subtle critique of those who misuse or misunderstand it [8, 9, 10].
- Hence, as things now are, the wise politician will look upon it as his duty to make reforms on the lines marked out by the ideal of public law.
— from Perpetual Peace: A Philosophical Essay by Immanuel Kant - Now the multitude of the wise is the welfare of the whole world: and a wise king is the upholding of the people.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - A wise servant shall rule over foolish sons, and shall divide the inheritance among the brethren.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - “I say that a wise doctor, when he does not know what he is talking about, should know enough to keep his mouth shut.
— from The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi - But grief is a disorder of the mind; therefore a wise man will be always free from it.
— from Cicero's Tusculan Disputations by Marcus Tullius Cicero - Nane can play the fool sae weel as a wise man.
— from The Proverbs of Scotland by Alexander Hislop - It's with me, you know, like the saying: ‘When he is sober, he is a fool; when he is drunk, he is a wise man.’
— from The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - And what is said by the wise man against fools is meant of such fools as these.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - When a wise man gives thee better counsel, give me mine again: I would have none but knaves follow it, since a fool gives it.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - If any man among you seem to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete
