I have met with some of them - very honest fellows, who, with all their stupidity, had a kind of intelligence and an upright good sense, which cannot be the characteristics of fools.
Giacomo CasanovaRead
The man who has sufficient power over himself to wait until his nature has recovered its even balance is the truly wise man, but such beings are seldom met with.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True wisdom lies in the ability to maintain self-control and wait for balance in emotions.
In this quote, Giacomo Casanova highlights the importance of self-discipline and patience as keys to wisdom. A wise individual is not simply knowledgeable but can also manage their feelings and impulses, allowing them to recover from emotional disturbances to achieve a state of equilibrium. This type of self-control is rare, suggesting that true wisdom is not just about intellect but also about emotional resilience and maturity.
Themes
WisdomSelf-ControlPatienceBalanceEmotion
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a motivational speech about emotional intelligence.
More from Giacomo Casanova
All quotes βFrom that moment our love became sad, and sadness is a disease which gives the death-blow to affection.
Giacomo CasanovaRead
The mind of a human being is formed only of comparisons made in order to examine analogies, and therefore cannot precede the existence of memory.
Giacomo CasanovaRead
For my future I have no concern, and as a true philosopher, I never would have any, for I know not what it may be: as a Christian, on the other hand, faith must believe without discussion, and the stronger it is, the more it keeps silent.
Giacomo CasanovaRead
I have had friends who have acted kindly towards me, and it has been my good fortune to have it in my power to give them substantial proofs of my gratitude.
Giacomo CasanovaRead
Man is free; yet we must not suppose that he is at liberty to do everything he pleases, for he becomes a slave the moment he allows his actions to be ruled by passion.
Giacomo CasanovaRead
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