Slow Havamal: 28

In the 28th verse, we’re advised that knowing the answer and how to explain it is enough to seem wise to others. They will find it difficult not to speak of your wisdom to others.

There’s a subtle aspect of the wise man hidden in this verse. Unlike the grifters of previous verses who broadcast their limited knowledge, this wise man is quiet. He will seem wise if he “knows the answer.” That implies he wasn’t cornering anyone at a party to baste them in his wisdom. He waited until he was asked a question. Then he shared the answer—to that question, presumably, and not all semi-related topics he could associate with it. Someone had a need, and the wise man satisfied that need without inflicting his ego on the poor seeker. It was enough to know the answer, and how to explain it.( Read more... )