On True Wisdom

...except for what is administered to it.

ORATOR. If the food of wisdom original: "sapientia" is not in the books of wise men, where is it then?

LAYMAN. I do not say it is not there, but I say the natural referring to wisdom derived from the natural world or innate reason rather than academic study food is not found there. For those who first applied themselves to writing about wisdom did not receive their growth from the food of books—which did not yet exist—but they emerged as perfect men through natural nourishment. And these far surpass in wisdom the others who think they have profited from books.

ORATOR. Although perhaps some things can be known without the study of letters, nevertheless, difficult and great matters cannot be known at all unless knowledge has grown through additions the orator argues that knowledge is cumulative and requires the "additamenta" or contributions of previous scholars.

LAYMAN. This is exactly what I was saying: namely, that you are led by authority and deceived. Someone wrote that word which you believe; but I say to you that wisdom cries out in the streets, and her cry is this: because she dwells in the highest places a paraphrase of Proverbs 1:20-21: "Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets... she crieth in the chief place of concourse".

ORATOR. Nevertheless, I have attained wisdom through study and the frequent reading of books.

LAYMAN. A great thing, if it were true—and inseparable from virtue. Believe me, however, if you were truly wise, you would never say this. For the wise man understands how much he lacks; therefore, he does not boast, but sighs.

ORATOR. I profess myself to be a wise man.

LAYMAN. Things would go well if there were as many wise men as there are professors original: "professores"; those who claim to possess or teach a subject of wisdom. As it is, the former is very difficult, while the latter is truly very easy.

ORATOR. I have arrived at wisdom through study.

LAYMAN. Certainly, that is how one arrives at it; but reconsider whether you have arrived. For it is not a matter of a brief study needing only a few years, like other [subjects]...