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.”
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.
Seek true analogical insight.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- problem solving
- historical analysis
- education
- strategic planning
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When do analogies become misleading?
- How can we test an analogy’s validity?
Analogies can be forced, leading to false conclusions.