Criteria Quote by Edmund Burke
“The only infallible criterion of wisdom to vulgar minds - success.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Unknown, attributed to Edmund Burke, 18th century
Success is the only measure that unrefined minds accept as proof of wisdom, reducing complex insight to simple achievement.
In simple terms: Success is seen as the only sign of wisdom by shallow thinkers.
Key Takeaway
Recognize deeper wisdom beyond mere success.
Themes
wisdom
success
perception
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- career advancement
- academic evaluation
- public discourse
Key Concepts
philosophy
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you define wisdom beyond external achievements?
- What values should guide true insight?
A Different Perspective
Success may not reflect true understanding or moral depth.
![“[ When a religious couple wrote to Sagan about fulfilled prophecies, he wrote back in May 1996 :] If ‘fulfilled prophecy’ is your criterion, why do you not believe in materialistic science, which has an unparalleled record of fulfilled prophecy? Consider, for example, eclipses.” quote by Carl Sagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/875/carl-sagan-160_belief_when-a-religious-couple-wrote-to-sagan-a_25095.jpg)
