Wisdom Quotes

The best minds across centuries have wrestled with what it means to be wise. These quotes capture their hard-won insights.

64329 quotes

C
"You know, Norm, I've been thinking about life, and I've come to realize that the mailman sees all."
Cliff Clavin
C
"True wisdom is knowing which customers appreciate a good chat and which don't."
Cliff Clavin
W
"I've learned more from making mistakes than from getting things right."
Woody Boyd
W
"I've found that most people are doing the best they can with what they have."
Woody Boyd
S
"I've learned that tomorrow's another day to make the same mistakes."
Sam Malone
S
"Wisdom is knowing when to shut your mouth."
Sam Malone
D
"The pursuit of knowledge is never frivolous."
Diane Chambers
D
"I've learned to trust my instincts implicitly."
Diane Chambers
D
"Wisdom comes from experience, not just education."
Diane Chambers
F
"I'm listening."
Frasier Crane
F
"I'm a trained psychiatrist, so I know what I'm talking about."
Frasier Crane
C
"I'm not just a waitress, I'm a philosopher in an apron."
Carla Tortelli
C
"People show you who they are; you just have to be willing to see it."
Carla Tortelli
C
"Never apologize for having standards."
Carla Tortelli
T
"I'm not interested in your stupid schemes or whatever it is you're planning."
The Waitress
T
"Don't assume you know anything about my life or my struggles."
The Waitress
R
"I've discovered that most people are simply inadequate—it's not personal."
Rebecca Howe
R
"My philosophy: excel at everything or don't bother trying."
Rebecca Howe
R
"People often mistake my standards for arrogance; I call it clarity."
Rebecca Howe
N
"I'd give advice, but I'm too busy screwing up my own life."
Norm Peterson
N
"The only thing better than talking about my problems is not talking about them."
Norm Peterson
L
"A woman of substance doesn't need to lower her standards; she raises everyone else's."
Lilith Sternin
L
"I'm not cold; I'm simply clear about my boundaries."
Lilith Sternin
L
"A truly educated person knows the limits of their knowledge."
Lilith Sternin
L
"I've learned that listening is more powerful than speaking."
Lilith Sternin
L
"I value substance over style, though I manage both admirably."
Lilith Sternin
R
"Sometimes you gotta hit rock bottom before you can climb back up."
Rickety Cricket
R
"I'm not asking for much, just a little dignity."
Rickety Cricket
R
"I don't want your pity, just your respect."
Rickety Cricket
R
"I'm not a bad person, I just made bad choices."
Rickety Cricket