The difference between a smart man and a wise man is that a smart man knows what to say, a wise man knows whether or not to say it.

Summary

This quote highlights the distinction between being smart and being wise. Being smart implies having a cleverness to know what to say, while being wise goes beyond that by emphasizing one's ability to discern whether or not it is appropriate or necessary to say it. It suggests that wisdom involves not only possessing knowledge or intelligence but also possessing the discretion to choose one's words carefully and understanding the consequences of speaking in different situations.

Topics