Mr Wisdom,' said the girl who had led him into the…
““Mr Wisdom,' said the girl who had led him into the presence. 'Ah,' said Howard Saxby, and there was a pause of perhaps three minutes, during which his needles clicked busily. 'Wisdom, did she say?' 'Yes. I wrote "Cocktail Time"' 'You couldn't have done better,' said Mr Saxby cordially. 'How's your wife, Mr Wisdom?' Cosmo said he had no wife. 'Surely?' "I'm a bachelor.' Then Wordsworth was wrong. He said you were married to immortal verse. Excuse me a moment,' murmured Mr Saxby, applying himself to the sock again. 'I'm just turning the heel. Do you knit?' 'No.' 'Sleep does. It knits the ravelled sleave of care.' (After a period of engrossed knitting, Cosmo coughs loudly to draw attention to his presence.) 'Goodness, you made me jump!' he (Saxby) said. 'Who are you?' 'My name, as I have already told you, is Wisdom' 'How did you get in?' asked Mr Saxby with a show of interest. 'I was shown in.' 'And stayed in. I see, Tennyson was right. Knowledge comes, but Wisdom lingers. Take a chair.' 'I have.' 'Take another,' said Mr Saxby hospitably.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A witty exchange highlights the difference between knowledge and wisdom, suggesting wisdom endures while facts are fleeting.
In simple terms: Knowledge is temporary, wisdom lasts.
Key Takeaway
Value lasting insight over fleeting facts.
Themes
humor
wisdom
knowledge
conversation
literature
Mood
playful
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- reading literature
- teaching
- personal reflection
- dialogue
- critical thinking
Key Concepts
philosophy
epistemology
social interaction
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this dialogue reveal about the nature of wisdom?
- How can we apply the distinction between knowledge and wisdom in daily life?
A Different Perspective
The banter may obscure deeper philosophical points for some readers.