Sage quotes
143 quotes on this topic — from poets, philosophers, and thinkers across history.
Explore further
Browse quotes that often appear alongside sage — connected by shared ideas and recurring themes.
Quote collection
Follow a thought to its author, or read the full quote page.
"He whom the sages have been seeking in all these places is in our own hearts; the voice that you heard was right, says Vedanta, but the direction you gave to the voice was wrong."
"The sage has no concern for himself, but makes the concerns of others his own."
"The sage knows himself, but does not parade. He cherishes himself, but does not praise himself."
"If one is not oneself a sage or saint, the best thing one can do is to study the words of those who were."
"The sage never strives for greatness, and can therefore accomplish greatness."
"The sage does not strive to be great. Thereby he can accomplish the great."
"The sage never seems to know his own merits, for only by not noticing them can you call others' attention to them."
"Non-action is unceasing activity. The sage is characterized by eternal and intense activity. His stillness is like the apparent stillness of a fast rotating gyroscope."
"The sage regards things as difficult, and thereby avoids difficulty."
"The sage is one with the world, and lives in harmony with it."
"Unkind people spread malicious tales, and well-intentioned people also censure; but in either case the tranquil sage remains unconcerned. Nowhere is there to be found a disconcerted sage."
"He who lives without committing any folly is not so wise as he thinks. [Fr., Qui vit sans folie n'est pas si sage qu'il croit.]"
"Both scientists and sages have told us what we already know to be true in our hearts: everything is connected. Therefore as we change, the world cannot help but change with us."
"The system of morality to be gathered from the ancient sages falls very short of that delivered in the gospel."
"Though sages may pour out their wisdom's treasure, there is no sterner moralist than pleasure."
"The Artist," an ancient sage had once said, "is always sitting on the doorsteps of the rich."
"All the great sages are as despotic as generals, and as ignorant and as indelicate as generals, because they feel secure of impunity."
"The Sage has no thinking mind and therefore there are no ‘others’ for him."
"Because he (the Sage) demands no honor, he will never be dishonored."
"The sage does not act and therefore does not fail, does not seize and therefore does not lose."
