Cunning is only the mimic of discretion, and may pass upon…
“Cunning is only the mimic of discretion, and may pass upon weak men in the same manner as vivacity is often mistaken for wit, and gravity for wisdom.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Cunning pretends to be discretion, and can be mistaken for strength; similarly, liveliness may be seen as wit and seriousness as wisdom.
In simple terms: Cunning mimics prudence; liveliness can be misread as wit.
Key Takeaway
Beware of superficial judgments of character.
Themes
perception
misinterpretation
character
virtue
Mood
analytical
cautious
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- social interactions
- leadership decisions
- team dynamics
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
literature
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate true discretion from cunning?
- When might liveliness be mistaken for intelligence?
A Different Perspective
Superficial traits can mislead judgments, causing errors.