Wisdom is like electricity. There is no permanently wise man, but men capable of wisdom, who, being put into certain company, or other favorable conditions, become wise for a short time, as glasses rubbed acquire electric power for a while.

Summary

This quote suggests that wisdom is not a permanent or inherent quality possessed by individuals, but rather a temporary state that can be acquired and influenced by external factors. It draws a parallel between wisdom and electricity, stating that just as a glass can acquire an electric charge through rubbing, individuals can become wise for a short period when they are in the right environment or surrounded by the right people. This implies that wisdom is not fixed or static, but rather a dynamic process influenced by external stimuli and circumstances.

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