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About this quote

What does it mean?
Knowledge increases while wisdom lags behind, and individuals fade as the world grows.
In plain terms
We learn facts quickly but stay on the shore longer as the world expands.
What can you take from it?
Wisdom grows slower than knowledge and people.

Where it applies

  • reflecting on age
  • seeking wisdom
  • feeling obsolete

Putting it to work

  • writing philosophy
  • mentoring
  • reflecting on life

Questions to consider

  • What is the difference between knowing and being wise?
  • Can you slow aging?

Another view

It treats knowledge and wisdom as opposites.

More from Alfred (Lord) Tennyson

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  2. Woman is the lesser man, and all thy passions, match'd with mine, Are as moonlight unto sunlight, and as water unto wine -

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