Question

Interpret the following quotation: "The age thinks better of a gilded fool than of a threadbare saint in wisdom's school."

a) Fools often have the most wisdom, no matter the era in which they live.
b) People in this society are superficial and think better of fools than they do of people with wisdom.
c) In the present times, saints are the people who possess the most wisdom.
d) Schooling in this era takes away wisdom, which turns people into fools.

Answer 1

The quotation criticizes a society that values appearances over true wisdom, implying people prefer fools with wealth over humble, wise individuals.

Step-by-step explanation:

The quotation "The age thinks better of a gilded fool than of a threadbare saint in wisdom's school" suggests that society tends to value superficial appearances and material wealth over genuine wisdom and virtue. It indicates that a person who is wealthy and exudes a façade of success (a gilded fool) is often held in higher regard than someone who may be wise but lacks wealth or status (a threadbare saint). Therefore, the correct interpretation of the quotation is that people in society are superficial and think better of fools than they do of people with wisdom.