ProverbWisdom
English origin
English originHe is not wise that is not wise for himself.
Meaning: Self-interest in practical matters—securing one's own welfare—constitutes genuine wisdom, not abstract knowledge.
Origin: Recorded in A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases, an undated collection published in London by Whittaker & Co. around 1880 and credited to Thomas Preston. Its earlier history hasn't been traced.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- Ты умница (ty umnitsa) You're bright, clever, and admirable — said warmly of someone who handles things well.
- У тебя золотые руки (u tebya zolotye ruki) You're extraordinarily skilled — able to make or fix anything with your hands.
- T'as pas inventé le fil à couper le beurre You're not exactly a genius — the wire to cut butter is about the most obvious tool imagi…
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