Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it

Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it

David Starr Jordan was an American educator, biologist, and peace activist who is best known for his work as the founding president of Stanford University. He was a man of great wisdom and virtue, and his words have continued to inspire and guide people to this day. One of his most famous quotes is, “Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it.”

In this quote, Jordan is emphasizing the importance of both knowledge and action. Wisdom is the ability to make sound judgments and decisions based on knowledge and experience. It is about knowing what the right course of action is in a given situation. However, wisdom alone is not enough. Virtue is the moral courage and strength to actually follow through and do what is right. It is about putting knowledge into action and living according to one's values and principles.

For Jordan, wisdom and virtue go hand in hand. It is not enough to simply know what the right thing to do is; one must also have the courage and integrity to act on that knowledge. This requires a strong sense of moral character and a commitment to doing what is right, even when it is difficult or unpopular.