Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Wisdom comes from questioning and investigating, not from fearing God.
In plain terms
Questioning and studying lead to wisdom, not fear.
What can you take from it?
True wisdom comes from asking questions, not just following rules.

Where it applies

  • discussing education
  • debating religion

Putting it to work

  • encouraging inquiry
  • valuing evidence

Questions to consider

  • What is the best way to learn?
  • Is fear ever useful for wisdom?

Another view

Faith provides comfort for many without needing doubt.

More from Clarence Darrow

  1. When every event was a miracle, when there was no order or system or law, there was no occasion for studying any subject, or being interested in anything excep…

    Permalink to quote #46
  2. Autobiography is never entirely true. No one can get the right perspective on himself. Every fact is colored by imagination and dream. The young look forth acr…

    Permalink to quote #48
  3. What of the tale of Balaam's ass speaking to him, probably in Hebrew? Is it true, or is it a fable? Many asses have spoken, and doubtless some in Hebrew, but t…

    Permalink to quote #45

Related quotes

  1. He had read much, if one considers his long life; but his contemplation was much more then his reading. He was wont to say that if he had read as much as other…

    John AubreyJohn Aubrey quote #5
  2. Half of wisdom is learning what to unlearn.

    Larry NivenLarry Niven quote #5
  3. He who would teach men to die would teach them to live.

    Michel de MontaigneMichel de Montaigne quote #10