Magna res est sapientia Marcus Tullius Cicero Aphorism 1st century BCE Roman Republic (modern-day Italy) 0 0 0 0 Write the first comment Meaning This phrase underscores the high regard held for wisdom in both classical and contemporary contexts. The phrase suggests that wisdom is an immensely valuable attribute, offering guidance, insight, and understanding in the face of life's complexities. Wisdom equips individuals to make sound decisions, mitigate pitfalls, and navigate intricate social and personal dynamics. Allegory The ancient scholar represents the embodiment of wisdom, poised at the pinnacle of enlightenment. The mountain peak symbolizes the elevation that wisdom can bring, lifting one above the mundane struggles. The transitioning landscape illustrates the transformative power of wisdom in navigating from darkness and ignorance to clarity and growth. The glowing horizon signifies the hopeful dawn of understanding and new beginnings brought about by wisdom. The scroll acts as a repository of accumulated knowledge, shedding light literally and metaphorically on the path ahead. The owl serves as a universal symbol of wisdom, and the winding river reflects the continual and life-encompassing journey of gaining and applying knowledge. This imagery aligns cohesively with the venerable theme of "Wisdom is a great thing," encouraging reflection on its timeless importance. Applicability In personal life, the phrase emphasizes the pursuit of knowledge and thoughtful reflection. Applying this principle can lead to better decision-making, improved relationships, and personal growth. In professional settings, valuing wisdom encourages continual learning, mentorship, and the application of experience to solve problems and innovate effectively. Impact The impact of this phrase transcends cultural boundaries. It has inspired countless individuals and scholars to value wisdom and seek it throughout their lives. Wisdom literature, spanning from ancient texts to modern self-help books, frequently echoes this sentiment, underscoring the timeless relevance of valuing wisdom. Historical Context The phrase's origin dates back to ancient Rome, specifically within the era of Cicero (106–43 BCE). Cicero lived during a time of political turmoil, social transformation, and intellectual flourishing in the Roman Republic. His works often reflect the philosophical values and societal issues of his time. Criticisms Criticisms of the phrase might arise from perspectives that prioritize other values or qualities, such as creativity or passion. Some might argue that valuing wisdom excessively could lead to overthinking and inaction. Others might debate the subjective nature of wisdom and whether it always leads to the best outcomes. Variations Variations and interpretations of this phrase include its expression in different languages and its adaptation in various cultural texts. For example, in Eastern philosophy, Confucius emphasized wisdom in moral understanding and societal harmony, which aligns with the phrase's valuation of wisdom. Go back to the description 280 characters left Send Comment No Comments Mens sana in corpore sano. Juvenal Read more Labor omnia vincit. Virgil Read more Memento mori. Popular culture Read more Ex nihilo nihil. Parmenides, Lucretius Read more Per aspera ad astra. Seneca the Younger Read more In medias res. Horace Read more Qui nescit tacere, nescit loqui. Popular culture Read more Fortis Fortuna iuvat. Plautus, Virgil Read more Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others. Marcus Tullius Cicero Read more A guilty conscience needs no accuser. Publilius Syrus Read more Fama volat. Virgil Read more By signing in, you'll enable saving your preferences and be able to post comments. By signing in, you'll enable saving your preferences and be able to post comments. Sign in with: or Sign in with your email address: Email Password Sign in Loading... Name Insert your name or nick (3 to 20 char). Email Insert a valid email address to be verified. Password 8+ chars, 1 uppercase, 1 lowercase, 1 number, 1 special @$!%*?_+ Clicking the Create account button will send you a verification email. Create account New here? Create an account. Previous Close
Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others. Marcus Tullius Cicero Read more