Wisdom is not to be found in the art of oratory, or
in great books, but in a withdrawal from these sensible things and in a turning
to the most simple and infinite forms. You will learn how to receive it into a
temple purged from all vice, and by fervent love to cling to it until you may
taste it and see how sweet that is which is all sweetness. Once this has been
tasted, all things which you now consider as important will appear as vile, and
you will be so humbled that no arrogance or other vice will remain in you. Once
having tasted this wisdom, you will inseparably adhere to it with a chaste and
pure heart. You will choose rather to forsake this world and all else that is
not of this wisdom, and living with unspeakable happiness you will die.
Nicholas Cusa
