Single Idea 13310

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / A. Wisdom / 1. Nature of Wisdom]

Full Idea

What grounds could I possibly have for supposing that a person who has no acquaintance with books will never be a wise man? For wisdom does not lie in books.

Gist of Idea

Wisdom does not lie in books, and unread people can also become wise

Source

Seneca the Younger (Letters from a Stoic [c.60], 088)

Book Reference

Seneca: 'Letters from a Stoic (Selections)', ed/tr. Campbell,Robin [Penguin 1969], p.158


A Reaction

A useful warning to the likes of me, who may have retreated from the hurly-burly of the agora (see Callicles in Plato's 'Gorgias'), under the illusion that detachment is needed for wisdom. Maybe involvement is needed for wisdom.