What does “A wise man changes his mind, a fool never will.” mean?

"A wise man changes his mind, a fool never will" means being open to new information and ideas, and changing one's opinions and actions accordingly, is a sign of intelligence and wisdom, while stubbornly refusing to change or learn is a sign of foolishness.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He always listens to different perspectives and is willing to change his mind. A wise man changes his mind, a fool never will.

Example

She is so stubborn and never admits when she's wrong. A wise man changes his mind, a fool never will.

Example

Being open-minded is a valuable trait. *A wise man changes his mind, a fool never will.

Is “A wise man changes his mind, a fool never will.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“A wise man changes his mind, a fool never will.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “A wise man changes his mind, a fool never will.” effectively in context?

You can use "A wise man changes his mind, a fool never will." to emphasize the importance of being open-minded and willing to change one's opinions or actions when presented with new information or ideas. It highlights the idea that intelligence and wisdom involve the ability to adapt and grow. For example, if someone is resistant to changing their viewpoint on a topic, you might say, 'Remember, a wise man changes his mind, a fool never will.'

1Debating
During a debate, it's important to be open to new arguments and evidence. As they say, a wise man changes his mind, a fool never will.
2Learning
In order to learn and grow, it's essential to be receptive to new ideas and perspectives. Remember, a wise man changes his mind, a fool never will.
3Relationships
In a healthy relationship, both partners should be willing to listen and consider each other's viewpoints. As the saying goes, a wise man changes his mind, a fool never will.

Similar phrases to “A wise man changes his mind, a fool never will.”:

The only constant in life is change

Change is inevitable and constant in life.

Example

As they say, 'The only constant in life is change.'

You can't teach an old dog new tricks

It is difficult to change someone's habits or beliefs, especially if they are set in their ways.

Example

He's been doing things the same way for years. You know what they say, 'You can't teach an old dog new tricks.'

Better late than never

It's better to do something late than to never do it at all.

Example

She finally apologized for her mistake. Well, better late than never.

Actions speak louder than words

What someone does is more important than what they say.

Example

He promised to help, but he never showed up. Actions speak louder than words.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “A wise man changes his mind, a fool never will.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "A wise man changes his mind, a fool never will." is unknown.

Is “A wise man changes his mind, a fool never will.” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "A wise man changes his mind, a fool never will." is not as commonly used in everyday conversation compared to other proverbs. However, it is still recognized and understood by many English speakers.

What tone does “A wise man changes his mind, a fool never will.” have?

"A wise man changes his mind, a fool never will." conveys a tone of wisdom and reflection. It encourages individuals to embrace open-mindedness and intellectual growth.

Can “A wise man changes his mind, a fool never will.” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "A wise man changes his mind, a fool never will." can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a proverb that conveys a timeless message about the importance of being open to change and learning. You can use it in various contexts, such as conversations with friends, debates, presentations, or even in written communication.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

The phrase is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He always listens to different perspectives and is willing to change his mind. "A wise man changes his mind, a fool never will."' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying '"A wise man changes his mind, a fool never will."' to imply the importance of being open-minded.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

an open mind is a sign of intelligence
adaptability is a mark of wisdom
smart people change their minds
fools are stubborn and unchanging
wisdom involves flexibility

Antonyms

a closed mind is a sign of ignorance
stubbornness is a mark of foolishness
intelligent people never change their minds
fools are open to change
wisdom involves rigidity