Get Started
Home Authors Tags

"没有公正的知识,不应该被称为智慧,而应该被称为狡猾。"

Plato
Plato Philosopher
Translations
🇺🇸 English 🇨🇳 中文 🇪🇸 Español 🇪🇬 العربية 🇫🇷 Français 🇮🇷 فارسی 🇯🇵 日本語
Quote meaning
The heart of this quote is that having knowledge alone is not enough to be truly wise; it must be coupled with a sense of justice and fairness. Otherwise, it’s just cleverness being used for potentially selfish or harmful purposes rather than for the greater good.

To give you a bit of context, this idea has deep roots in philosophical thought. Think about how ancient philosophers like Socrates or Confucius stressed the importance of virtue and morality in the application of knowledge. They believed that wisdom wasn’t just about knowing a lot of things but about applying that knowledge in a way that is fair and just. This isn’t just ivory-tower stuff. It’s practical and relevant to everyday life.

Imagine a doctor who’s incredibly skilled in medicine. They have all the latest knowledge about treatments and technology. But if they use this knowledge to exploit patients for money—prescribing unnecessary procedures or jacking up prices—that’s cunning, not wisdom. They’re not using their knowledge for the benefit of others, which is what justice is all about. In contrast, a wise doctor uses their knowledge to genuinely help people, acting with integrity and fairness.

So how can you apply this in your own life? First off, always pair your skills and knowledge with a strong moral compass. Ask yourself: Am I using what I know to better the world around me? If you’re a software developer, for instance, think about the ethics of the programs you create. Are they designed to help users or to manipulate them? By aligning your knowledge with justice, you’re not just smart—you’re wise.

Let’s dive into a relatable story. Think about a business leader, say, Lisa. She’s built up a ton of knowledge about the market, her product, and how to maximize profit. She could use this knowledge to squeeze every last penny out of her customers, cutting corners on product quality and underpaying her staff. If she does this, she’s being cunning. She might make a lot of money in the short term, but at what cost? Her employees are unhappy, her customers feel cheated, and her business might suffer in the long run.

But what if Lisa decides to use her knowledge justly? She ensures her products are of high quality, pays her employees fairly, and treats her customers with respect. Sure, her profit margins might be a bit lower, but she’s building a sustainable business. Employees are motivated, customers are loyal, and she’s sleeping well at night knowing she’s doing the right thing. That’s wisdom in action.

So, next time you’re in a position where you can use your knowledge—whether it’s at work, in your community, or even at home—pause for a moment. Think about whether you’re acting justly. It’s not always the easiest path, but it’s the wise one. And in the end, wisdom is far more valuable than mere cunning.
Related tags
Cunning Deception Ethics Intellect Justice Knowledge Moral philosophy Perception Understanding Wisdom
MORE QUOTES BY Plato
FEATURED QUOTES
Surprise me with another quote
Instagram Icon Facebook Icon X Icon Threads Icon