--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Formerly, when I was told to consider him…" description: "\"“Formerly, when I was told to consider him wise, I kept trying to, and thought I was stupid myself because I was unable to perceive his wisdom; but as ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f2c/leo-tolstoy-55_idiot_formerly-when-i-was-told-to-consider-him_1466452.png" --- # Formerly, when I was told to consider him wise, I kept… ![“Formerly, when I was told to consider him wise, I kept trying to, and thought I was stupid myself because I was unable to perceive his wisdom; but as soon as I said to myself, he's stupid (only in a whisper of course), it all became quite clear! Don't you think so?' 'How malicious you are to-day!'…” quote by Leo Tolstoy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f2c/leo-tolstoy-55_idiot_formerly-when-i-was-told-to-consider-him_1466452.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f2c/leo-tolstoy-55_idiot_formerly-when-i-was-told-to-consider-him_1466452.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f2c/leo-tolstoy-55_idiot_formerly-when-i-was-told-to-consider-him_1466452.png) > ““Formerly, when I was told to consider him wise, I kept trying to, and thought I was stupid myself because I was unable to perceive his wisdom; but as soon as I said to myself, he's stupid (only in a whisper of course), it all became quite clear!  Don't you think so?' 'How malicious you are to-day!' 'Not at all.  I have no choice.  One of us is stupid, and you know it's impossible to say so of oneself.”” [Leo Tolstoy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leo-tolstoy/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Recognizing one's own limitations and the folly of judging others can reveal hidden truths about wisdom. **In simple terms:** Seeing one's own foolishness clarifies others' wisdom. Key Takeaway Accept humility to gain insight. Themes humility self-awareness wisdom Mood reflective thoughtful Type philosophical insightful When to use this quote - personal relationships - leadership - conflict resolution Key Concepts psychology philosophy ego Questions to Reflect On - How does acknowledging your own flaws change your view of others? - Can humility improve decision‑making? A Different Perspective Overemphasis on self‑critique may paralyze action. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Idiot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/idiot/) [Wisdom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wisdom/) ## Related quotes > [I think the world sort of looks to the kids who have potential. 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