Skip to content

Accurate Quote by Richard Whately

“It may be said, almost without qualification, that true wisdom consists in the ready and accurate perception of analogies. Without the former quality, knowledge of the past is unobstructive: without the latter it is deceptive.” quote by Richard Whately
Download Open image
“It may be said, almost without qualification, that true wisdom consists in the ready and accurate perception of analogies. Without the former quality, knowledge of the past is unobstructive: without the latter it is deceptive.”

Richard Whately

About This Quote

Source Treatise: Elements of Rhetoric, 1828

Wisdom lies in accurately seeing parallels; without it, knowledge is either useless or misleading.

In simple terms: Seeing analogies is wise.

Key Takeaway

Seek true analogical insight.

Themes

wisdom analogy knowledge

Mood

analytical thoughtful

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • problem solving
  • historical analysis
  • education
  • strategic planning

Key Concepts

critical thinking philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • When do analogies become misleading?
  • How can we test an analogy’s validity?
A Different Perspective

Analogies can be forced, leading to false conclusions.

5.0 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Richard Whately

Explore all 119 Richard Whately quotes

More Accurate quotes

Browse all 820 Accurate quotes