It is commonly a dangerous thing for a man to have more…
“It is commonly a dangerous thing for a man to have more sense than his neighbors. Socrates paid for his superiority with his life; and if Aristotle saved his skin, it was by taking to his heels in time.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Having superior intellect can be perilous, leading to conflict with the majority and possible fatal consequences.
In simple terms: Being smarter than others can be dangerous.
Key Takeaway
Beware of standing out intellectually.
Themes
philosophy
danger
intellect
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- political debate
- academic discourse
- leadership decisions
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
Socratic paradox
social conformity
risk of dissent
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance insight with humility?
- When might conformity be preferable?
A Different Perspective
Intelligence alone does not guarantee safety or acceptance.