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When men comfort themselves with philosophy, 'tis not…

“When men comfort themselves with philosophy, 'tis not because they have got two or three sentences, but because they have digested those sentences, and made them their own: philosophy is nothing but discretion.” quote by John Selden
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“When men comfort themselves with philosophy, 'tis not because they have got two or three sentences, but because they have digested those sentences, and made them their own: philosophy is nothing but discretion.”

John Selden

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Philosophy is valuable when internalized and used wisely, not merely quoted; true wisdom is discretion.

In simple terms: Philosophy works when you own it.

Key Takeaway

Digest ideas, apply discretion.

Themes

wisdom philosophy self‑reflection

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • academic debates
  • personal decision‑making
  • teaching
  • writing

Key Concepts

discretion learning intellectual humility

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you apply philosophical ideas daily?
  • What does discretion mean to you?
A Different Perspective

Simply reading philosophy without reflection yields little.

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