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About this quote

What does it mean?
Shakespeare is deemed wise only relative to humanity's general arrogance and ignorance, suggesting we are collectively foolish.
In plain terms
Shakespeare seems smart only because we are mostly dumb.
What can you take from it?
We often overestimate our intelligence.

Where it applies

  • debates on wisdom
  • self-reflection
  • literary analysis

Putting it to work

  • question your assumptions
  • value humility
  • assess intelligence objectively

Questions to consider

  • How do you measure wisdom?
  • Are we smarter than we think?

Another view

It dismisses human potential by overgeneralizing ignorance.

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