Wisdom is a fox who, after long hunting, will at last cost…
“Wisdom is a fox who, after long hunting, will at last cost you the pains to dig out; it is a cheese, which, by how much the richer, has the thicker, the homlier, and the coarser coat; and whereof to a judicious palate, the maggots are best. It is a sack posset, wherein the deeper you go, you'll find it the sweeter. Wisdom is a hen, whose cackling we must value and consider, because it is attended with an egg. But lastly, it is a nut, which, unless you choose with judgment, may cost you a tooth, and pay you with nothing but a worm.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Wisdom appears in many forms, each with hidden costs and rewards, requiring careful judgment to reap benefits.
In simple terms: Wisdom has many faces and hidden costs.
Key Takeaway
Seek wisdom, weigh its costs.
Themes
wisdom
judgment
metaphor
Mood
thoughtful
cautious
Type
philosophical
metaphorical
When to use this quote
- personal decisions
- financial investments
- relationships
- learning processes
Key Concepts
cost
reward
perception
risk
valuation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you evaluate hidden costs?
- When does caution become fear?
A Different Perspective
Wisdom can be misinterpreted, leading to poor choices.