Wisdom rides upon the ruins of folly.
Meaning: Only through repeated mistakes and their costly consequences do we finally develop genuine understanding.
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.
More proverbs about Wisdom
- Wise men care not for what they cannot have. — The truly wise accept their limitations and redirect energy toward achievable goals rathe…
- If wishes were horses, beggars would ride. — Wishing alone accomplishes nothing; only action and resources transform desire into reali…
- Wit is the lightning of the mind. — Sudden brilliance illuminates truth instantly, but like lightning, its flash vanishes qui…
- You may truss up all his wit in an egg-shell. — Wit confined to theoretical cleverness without practical application remains insignifican…
- Wit may be bought too dear. — Cleverness obtained through deception, betrayal, or moral compromise exacts a hidden cost…
- He that lives upon his wits, breaks for want of stock. — A person relying solely on cleverness without resources or preparation will eventually fa…
From our false friends
- Oldtimer — Actually means 'vintage car' or 'classic aircraft'. A veteran person is ein Veteran.
- Camera — Actually means 'room'. A camera (device) is una macchina fotografica.
- Pretendere — Actually means 'to demand' or 'to expect'. Pretende troppo = He demands too much.