Not by age but by capacity is wisdom acquired

Not by age but by capacity is wisdom acquired

In the world of ancient Roman literature, the playwright Plautus is often celebrated for his comedic genius and sharp wit. One of the themes that frequently emerges in his works is the idea that wisdom is not necessarily acquired through age alone, but rather through one's capacity for understanding and learning.

Plautus himself was believed to have been born around 254 BC, making him a relatively young playwright in comparison to some of his contemporaries. Despite his youth, however, Plautus demonstrated a remarkable ability to craft clever and insightful plays that continue to entertain audiences to this day.

One of the most famous quotes attributed to Plautus is, "Not by age but by capacity is wisdom acquired." This sentiment is reflected in many of his works, where characters of all ages are shown to possess varying degrees of wisdom and intelligence. In plays such as "The Menaechmi" and "The Pot of Gold," Plautus explores the idea that true wisdom comes from a combination of life experience, critical thinking, and a willingness to learn from one's mistakes.