Wisdom and Virtue: From Knowing to Doing — David Star Jordan

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Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it. — David Star Jordan
Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it. — David Star Jordan
Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it. — David Star Jordan

Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it. — David Star Jordan

What lingers after this line?

Distinction Between Wisdom and Virtue

The quote differentiates between wisdom (understanding the right course of action) and virtue (having the moral strength to act on that knowledge).

Practical Application of Knowledge

It highlights that recognizing the correct action is not enough; true integrity is demonstrated by actually following through.

Ethical Action

Virtue is defined by ethical behavior—choosing to do what is right even when it may be difficult.

Personal Responsibility

Individuals are responsible not just for knowing what is right, but for doing it.

Influence on Leadership

The quote implies that great leaders must not only be wise but also virtuous, leading by example through their actions.

One-minute reflection

What feeling does this quote bring up for you?

Related Quotes

6 selected

Wisdom is knowing the right path to take; virtue is taking it. — Plato

Plato

This quote highlights the distinction between wisdom and virtue. Wisdom involves the intellectual ability to recognize the correct course of action, while virtue is the moral strength to follow through on it.

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Wisdom comes only to the silent mind. — Krishnamurti

Krishnamurti

Krishnamurti’s statement begins with a simple but demanding insight: wisdom is not merely accumulated information, nor is it the reward for constant thinking. Instead, it arises when the mind becomes quiet enough to perc...

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Never call yourself a philosopher; show it. — Epictetus

Epictetus

Epictetus compresses an entire ethical program into a sharp command: do not claim the title, demonstrate the life. In other words, wisdom is not a badge one pins on oneself but a pattern others can recognize in conduct.

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You are not starting over. You're starting wiser. — Meredith Eastwood

Meredith Eastwood

At first glance, Meredith Eastwood’s line gently challenges the fear that often accompanies change. To say, “You are not starting over,” is to reject the idea that every setback erases what came before.

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The wise do things slowly, because they love it. — David Fell

David Fell

At first glance, David Fell’s line seems to praise caution, yet it reaches further than mere hesitation. To do something slowly, in this view, is not to be indecisive but to be fully present.

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To be old and wise you must first be young and stupid. — Terry Pratchett

Terry Pratchett

At first glance, Terry Pratchett’s line turns wisdom into a joke, yet its humor carries a serious truth: good judgment is rarely innate. Instead, it is usually built from errors, embarrassment, and misread situations tha...

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