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About this quote

What does it mean?
Tricking a fool prevents them from spreading nonsense, which helps intelligence.
In plain terms
Outsmarting a fool helps intelligence by stopping their nonsense.
What can you take from it?
Use cleverness to stop foolish ideas from spreading.

Where it applies

  • debate
  • managing misinformation
  • social dynamics

Putting it to work

  • use wit to counter nonsense

Questions to consider

  • Is deception ever justified to stop folly?
  • How do you deal with fools?

Another view

This can encourage manipulation rather than honest dialogue.

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