"It is a profitable thing, if one is wise, to seem foolish"
About this Quote
Aeschylus’s aphorism, “It is a profitable thing, if one is wise, to seem foolish,” delivers a subtle insight into the interplay of wisdom and perception. Throughout history, intelligence and cunning have often gone hand in hand with humility and the adept management of others’ expectations. Genuine wisdom is not always loud or ostentatious; often, it hides behind a facade that deliberately underplays itself. To appear foolish, when one is in fact wise, can become a powerful tool, opening doors that might otherwise remain closed.
Those who are generally perceived as foolish seldom elicit suspicion or envy. Their apparent lack of threat puts others at ease, leading people to reveal intentions, secrets, or vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, the person “playing the fool” observes and gathers knowledge, ultimately holding unseen advantages. Rather than inviting rivalry or animosity, they garner tolerance or dismissal, all the while calculating the appropriate moment to unveil their true abilities.
This strategy also serves as a shield against hubris and pride. By cultivating modesty, real or feigned, the wise individual resists the temptation to show off and avoids the inevitable backlash that often trails open brilliance. Throughout life, open displays of intelligence can prompt insecurity and opposition; a self-effacing manner, on the other hand, disarms potential adversaries.
Furthermore, underestimating someone grants them additional liberty. They may operate with greater freedom, unencumbered by the scrutiny or resistance directed at those openly recognized as wise or powerful. In difficult circumstances, the greatest tactical advantage might come from being unseen or dismissed. Crafty historical figures, from Odysseus to more modern tacticians, have succeeded by concealing their prowess, misleading foes and gaining the upper hand at pivotal moments.
Ultimately, Aeschylus advocates for a form of strategic humility, a calculated undervaluing of oneself in the public eye, allowing the truly wise to prosper in a world driven by status and rivalry.
Those who are generally perceived as foolish seldom elicit suspicion or envy. Their apparent lack of threat puts others at ease, leading people to reveal intentions, secrets, or vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, the person “playing the fool” observes and gathers knowledge, ultimately holding unseen advantages. Rather than inviting rivalry or animosity, they garner tolerance or dismissal, all the while calculating the appropriate moment to unveil their true abilities.
This strategy also serves as a shield against hubris and pride. By cultivating modesty, real or feigned, the wise individual resists the temptation to show off and avoids the inevitable backlash that often trails open brilliance. Throughout life, open displays of intelligence can prompt insecurity and opposition; a self-effacing manner, on the other hand, disarms potential adversaries.
Furthermore, underestimating someone grants them additional liberty. They may operate with greater freedom, unencumbered by the scrutiny or resistance directed at those openly recognized as wise or powerful. In difficult circumstances, the greatest tactical advantage might come from being unseen or dismissed. Crafty historical figures, from Odysseus to more modern tacticians, have succeeded by concealing their prowess, misleading foes and gaining the upper hand at pivotal moments.
Ultimately, Aeschylus advocates for a form of strategic humility, a calculated undervaluing of oneself in the public eye, allowing the truly wise to prosper in a world driven by status and rivalry.
Quote Details
| Topic | Wisdom |
|---|
More Quotes by Aeschylus
Add to List
