Tell troth and shame the devil.
Ben JonsonRead
Very few men are wise by their own council, or learned by their own teaching. For he that was only taught by himself, had a fool for a master.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Wisdom and learning are often gained through interaction and guidance from others, not just self-education.
This quote emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding from external sources rather than relying solely on one's own experiences. Ben Jonson suggests that self-teaching without the influence of wiser individuals leads to a lack of true wisdom, as one can easily fall into the trap of ignorance thinking they know enough.
Themes
WisdomLearningEducationSelf-TeachingKnowledge
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a graduation speech to emphasize the importance of lifelong learning.
More from Ben Jonson
All quotes βWe are persons of quality, I assure you, and women of fashion, and come to see and to be seen.
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All concord's born of contraries.
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Queen and huntress, chaste and fair Now the sun is laid to sleep, Seated in thy silver chair, State in wonted manner keep: Hesperus entreats thy light Goddess, excellently bright.
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I know no disease of the soul but ignorance, a pernicious evil, the darkener of man's life, the disturber of his reason, and common confounder of truth.
Ben JonsonRead
You are not now to think what's best to do, _x000D_ As in beginnings, but what must be done, _x000D_ Being thus enter'd; and slip no advantage _x000D_ That may secure you. Let them call it mischief; _x000D_ When it is past, and prosper'd , 'twill be virtue.
Ben JonsonRead
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