What is the price of Experience? do men buy it for a song?…
““What is the price of Experience? do men buy it for a song? Or wisdom for a dance in the street? No, it is bought with the price Of all that a man hath, his house, his wife, his children. Wisdom is sold in the desolate market where none come to buy, And in the wither'd field where the farmer plows for bread in vain.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Experience and wisdom demand great personal sacrifice, not trivial exchange.
In simple terms: Wisdom costs everything you hold dear.
Key Takeaway
Value learning over material loss.
Themes
philosophy
human condition
value
sacrifice
Mood
contemplative
serious
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- ethical decision making
- life choices
Key Concepts
existential cost
spiritual tradeoff
Questions to Reflect On
- What are you willing to sacrifice for wisdom?
- Is knowledge worth losing loved ones?
A Different Perspective
May seem overly pessimistic about gaining knowledge.