Clever Quote by Naguib Mahfouz
“You can tell whether a man is clever by his answers. You can tell whether a man is wise by his questions.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Thief and the Dogs by Naguib Mahfouz, 1961
Intelligence shows in answers, wisdom in the questions one asks.
In simple terms: Answers show cleverness; questions show wisdom.
Key Takeaway
Value curiosity over quick answers.
Themes
wisdom
intelligence
inquiry
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- education
- interviews
- leadership development
Key Concepts
critical thinking
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What questions have you avoided?
- How can you foster better questioning?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on answers can miss deeper insight.
![“There was another reason [she] took her books whenever they went away. They were her home when she was somewhere strange. They were familiar voices, friends that never quarreled with her, clever, powerful friends -- daring and knowledgeable, tried and tested adventurers who had traveled far and…” quote by Cornelia Funke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/639/cornelia-funke-908_adventurer_there-was-another-reason-she-took-her-bo_3074.jpg)
