Facts are ventriloquists' dummies. Sitting on a wise man's knee they may be made to utter words of wisdom; elsewhere, they say nothing, or talk nonsense, or indulge in sheer diabolism.

Summary

This quote suggests that facts alone are not enough to generate meaningful insights or wisdom. It compares facts to ventriloquists' dummies, highlighting their dependence on a wise person to give them value and coherence. In the hands of a knowledgeable individual, facts can be used to convey wisdom. However, when separated from a wise perspective, facts can be misinterpreted, misused, or manipulated to spread falsehoods or engage in malicious intentions. The quote warns against blindly accepting facts without critical thinking and the guidance of wisdom.