“Cleverness is not wisdom”
— Euripides
Simplified Meaning:
Being clever means thinking quickly and creatively, like solving a tricky puzzle or coming up with a smart comeback in a conversation. However, being wise is different; it involves making good decisions based on experience, knowledge, and understanding what is right or wrong. Imagine a student who can solve difficult math problems very fast—that student is clever. But if that same student knows how to balance schoolwork, friendships, and rest, they are showing wisdom. Wisdom often comes from living through different experiences and learning deep lessons from them. So, it’s important not just to be smart and quick but also to understand life deeply and make thoughtful choices. People should aim to gain wisdom through reflection and experience, not just focus on being clever.