Skip to content

In spite of every sage whom Greece can show, Unerring…

“In spite of every sage whom Greece can show, Unerring wisdom never dwelt below; Folly in all of every age we see, The only difference lies in the degree.” quote by Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux
Download Open image
“In spite of every sage whom Greece can show, Unerring wisdom never dwelt below; Folly in all of every age we see, The only difference lies in the degree.”

Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux

About This Quote

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

Wisdom is rare and often found only among the wise, while folly appears in every era, differing only in degree.

In simple terms: Wisdom is scarce; folly is common.

Key Takeaway

Value true wisdom, recognize its rarity.

Themes

wisdom folly human nature

Mood

critical analytical

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • education
  • leadership
  • decision making

Key Concepts

philosophy literature ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you distinguish genuine wisdom from cleverness?
  • What role does humility play in recognizing folly?
A Different Perspective

True wisdom is hard to find and may be ignored.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux

Explore all 64 Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux quotes

More Age quotes

Browse all 18,948 Age quotes