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Cleverness Quotes

Sharp words on the limits of being clever.

These cleverness quotes draw a clear line between honest quick thinking and the kind of cleverness that serves no real purpose. Allison quotes touch on a similar tension between charm and substance.

I hate clever-cleverness, but I love good honest cleverness.

Quotes by Tobias Hill

Cleverness is serviceable for everything, sufficient for nothing.

Quotes by Henri Frederic Amiel

The obstinacy of cleverness and reason is nothing to the obstinacy of folly and inanity.

Quotes by Harriet Beecher Stowe

Cleverness is not wisdom.

Quotes by Euripides

Frequently Asked Questions

How do these quotes distinguish cleverness from wisdom?
They suggest cleverness is a surface-level skill, useful in small ways, while wisdom involves deeper judgment that cleverness alone can't provide.
Is cleverness portrayed positively or negatively here?
It's mixed — some quotes value honest, straightforward cleverness while criticizing showy or self-serving versions of it.
What does "obstinate cleverness" mean in this context?
It refers to being stubbornly convinced of one's own cleverness, which the quotes compare to the stubbornness of foolishness.
Can cleverness cause problems in relationships or work?
The quotes hint that overly clever behavior, if insincere, can undermine trust and genuine connection.
Where can I find quotes about genuine wisdom?
The Farrah Fawcett quotes collection offers a different perspective on personal insight.

The recurring idea here is that cleverness alone rarely equals wisdom, and that stubborn cleverness can be as troublesome as plain folly. Discover more on this theme in Sonia Rykiel quotes.