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It is best for the wise man not to seem wise.
Aeschylus
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Interpretation

What this quote means

True wisdom is often shown in humility and the avoidance of arrogance.

This quote by Aeschylus suggests that a truly wise person does not feel the need to display their wisdom or intelligence. Instead, they understand that humility is a strength and that excessive pride can alienate others or create unnecessary conflict. By not appearing overtly wise, one allows for a more genuine exchange of ideas and learning opportunities.

Themes

WisdomHumilityIntelligencePrideCommunication

In practice

Example use cases

In a leadership seminar, one might quote this to emphasize the value of being approachable and open to input.

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A god implants in mortal guilt whenever he wants utterly to confound a house.
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It is not the oath that makes us believe the man, but the man the oath.
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A little wisdom, now and then

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Quote by Aeschylus | QuoteProject