The attempt to combine wisdom and power has only rarely been successful and then only for a short while.

Summary

This quote suggests that the pursuit of both wisdom and power concurrently is challenging and seldom fruitful. It implies that individuals or systems that try to possess both qualities often fail to maintain a harmonious balance between the two. This is further emphasized by the assertion that even when such a combination is accomplished, it only endures for a brief period before collapsing. Essentially, the quote suggests that the coexistence and sustained effectiveness of wisdom and power is a rare and fleeting occurrence.

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