The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Wisdom involves choosing what details to ignore rather than trying to process everything.
- In plain terms
- Being wise means knowing what to ignore.
- What can you take from it?
- Wisdom is knowing what to overlook.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What should we overlook to stay sane?
- How do we know what matters?
Another view
Sometimes overlooking things can mean ignoring important warnings.
More from William James
My thinking is first and last and always for the sake of my doing.
Permalink to quote #32 The more rational statement is that we feel sorry because we cry, angry because we strike, afraid because we tremble, and not that we cry, strike, or tremble, …
Permalink to quote #34 The impulse to take life strivingly is indestructible in the race.
Permalink to quote #31
Related quotes
The illusion which exalts us is dearer to us than ten thousand truths.
Aleksandr PushkinAleksandr Pushkin quote #1 The highest morality may prove also to be the highest wisdom when the half-told story comes to be finished.
Arthur Conan DoyleArthur Conan Doyle quote #1 Truth is a golden thread, seen here and there In small bright specks upon the visible side Of our strange being's party-coloured web.
Arthur Hugh CloughArthur Hugh Clough quote #2