A fool may ask more questions in half an hour than a wise man can answer in seven years.
Meaning: Foolish questioning consumes time unproductively while wisdom requires patient, deliberate thought to address properly.
Origin: Giovanni Torriano's collection of Italian proverbs (1666) has "One fool may ask more than seven wise men can answer," and Jonathan Swift used a version in Polite Conversation (1738). Asking takes no knowledge; answering takes a great deal.
More proverbs about Communication
- Foxes, when they cannot reach the grapes, say they are not ripe. — Those denied what they desire rationalize their rejection rather than admit their inabili…
- All are not friends that speak us fair. — Flattery conceals hostile intent; pleasant words alone don't guarantee genuine friendship.
- A full purse makes the mouth to speak. — Wealth emboldens people to voice opinions they might otherwise suppress through fear or s…
- What your glass tells you will not be told by counsel. — Self-knowledge through honest self-reflection surpasses advice from others who cannot see…
- Do all the good you talk of; but talk not of all the good you do. — Genuine virtue acts quietly; publicizing your kindness undermines its moral authenticity…
- A good word is as soon said as an ill one. — Kindness costs no more effort than cruelty, so choose generosity without hesitation or ex…
From our tongue twisters
- Fischers Fritz fischt frische Fische, frische Fische fischt Fischers Fritz. — The German 'f' / 'sch' staple.
- Sopra la panca la capra campa, sotto la panca la capra crepa. — A beloved 'c' / 'p' rhythm trap.
- Les chaussettes de l'archiduchesse sont-elles sèches, archi-sèches? — A merciless duel between 'ch' and 's'.