Famous quote by Charles de Montesquieu

Mobile Desktop
I have always observed that to succeed in the world one should seem a fool, but be wise
Like

"I have always observed that to succeed in the world one should seem a fool, but be wise"

- Charles de Montesquieu

About this Quote

This quote by Charles de Montesquieu suggests that in order to be successful in life, one must appear absurd to others, however in truth be sensible. This might mean that a person ought to not be too quick to display their knowledge or skills, however instead use them in a subtle method. It might likewise mean that a person should not be too proud or boastful, however rather be humble and modest. This could be useful in many scenarios, such as in the workplace, where one should not be too eager to take credit for their work, but instead let their work promote itself. Furthermore, it might mean that a person need to not be too quick to judge or slam others, however rather be open-minded and understanding. Ultimately, this quote is a suggestion that in order to succeed in life, one should not be too quick to show off their intelligence, but rather use it in a sensible and subtle way.

About the Author

France Flag This quote is written / told by Charles de Montesquieu between January 18, 1689 and February 10, 1755. He/she was a famous Philosopher from France. The author also have 33 other quotes.

Go to author profile

Similar Quotes

Small: A fools paradise is a wise mans hell! - Thomas Fuller
Thomas Fuller
"A fool's paradise is a wise man's hell!"
Thomas Fuller, Clergyman
Small: If at first you dont succeed, try, try again - William Edward Hickson
William Edward Hickson
"If at first you don't succeed, try, try again"
William Edward Hickson, Writer
Small: Do what you do best, and you will succeed - Oystein Stray Spetalen
Øystein Stray Spetalen
"Do what you do best, and you will succeed"
Øystein Stray Spetalen, Businessman
Small: Let me embrace thee, sour adversity, for wise men say it is the wisest course - William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare
"Let me embrace thee, sour adversity, for wise men say it is the wisest course"
William Shakespeare, Dramatist
Small: Be wise with speed a fool at forty is a fool indeed - Edward Young
Edward Young
"Be wise with speed; a fool at forty is a fool indeed"
Edward Young, Poet
Small: For to err in opinion, though it be not the part of wise men, is at least human - Plutarch
Plutarch
"For to err in opinion, though it be not the part of wise men, is at least human"
Plutarch, Philosopher
Small: Lifes Tragedy is that we get old to soon and wise too late - Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin
"Life's Tragedy is that we get old to soon and wise too late"
Benjamin Franklin, Politician
Small: The art of being wise is knowing what to overlook - William James
William James
"The art of being wise is knowing what to overlook"
William James, Philosopher
Small: The surest way not to fail is to determine to succeed - Richard Brinsley Sheridan
Richard Brinsley Sheridan
"The surest way not to fail is to determine to succeed"
Richard Brinsley Sheridan, Playwright
Small: No man was ever wise by chance - Seneca
Seneca
"No man was ever wise by chance"
Seneca, Philosopher