proverb · Words worth keeping
Much memory and little judgment.
Much memory and little judgment.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Remembering many details does not by itself show how wisely they are assessed. The saying separates recall from the judgement needed to use it.
Example
A discussion participant recalls many dates but then checks which events actually support the explanation being proposed.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
Memory supplies stored material; judgement concerns how that material bears on a present question. The contrast can describe an impressive recital that fails to examine relevance, reliability or consequences. It should not demean a strong memory or claim that good recall prevents sound thinking. A useful response asks which facts matter, how they were obtained and whether the conclusion follows, rather than judging the speaker solely by the amount remembered.
When to use it
Use it when extensive recall is being mistaken for a complete argument.
Keep in mind
Memory and judgement can support one another; this is not a measure of intelligence.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional (French-language collection)
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Date unknown