On True Wisdom

...whom referring to "wise men" from the previous page it counts not as one, or two, or seven, but in every single city like herds of cattle. Nor is it a wonder, certainly, that there are so many who become wise so easily. nearly A foolish young man comes to the temple, about to receive the insignia of a doctor.
Here [he speaks of] the unsuitability of doctors who receive honors for which [they are not qualified] etc.

His teachers celebrate him, whether out of love or error. He swells with pride; the common crowd is amazed; relatives and friends applaud.
Theory of [unclear] [unclear] etc.

He himself, having been ordered, climbs the professor's chair, now looking down on all things from on high, and murmuring I-know-not-what confused nonsense. Then his elders compete to raise him to the heavens with praises, as if he had spoken divine things. In the meantime, the bells ring out, trumpets blare, rings fly, kisses are planted, and the round, doctoral bonnet original: "bonnetus"; a ceremonial cap signifying academic authority and the right to teach is placed on his head. Having done these things, he descends a "wise man," who had ascended a fool. A truly wonderful transformation, unknown even to Ovid original: "ouidio"; the Roman poet famous for the Metamorphoses, a book about magical transformations. So are wise men made today. The true wise man is made differently.

ORATOR. Nevertheless, I am wise.

LAYMAN. Those who think magnificently of themselves are accustomed to confidently take on tasks greater than their strength; unless they fail halfway through, they learn through great danger or shame how poor they were at judging their own abilities. It is better, believe me, to cast away false opinions, lay aside arrogance, look around at your own ignorance, and hope that no situation arises requiring proven wisdom that would reveal you have boasted over nothing. This is the straighter and safer way of seeking wisdom.

ORATOR. I also believe that I have arrived at wisdom.

LAYMAN. But if you listen to me: you will arrive at it rather by rising toward it and straining for it than by merely believing you are there. For nothing ascends higher than active humility original: "humilitas operosa," literally "laborious" or "working" humility, suggesting that true wisdom requires effort and a lowly spirit.