Nisat tells Ninus, “Strength and understanding are the two qualities that make a king. People usually believe that wisdom and knowledge can be learned, but people are fools. It is strength that can be learned. One has understanding or one doesn’t.” What do you think she means by this statement? Do you agree with her assessment?
Nisat seems to be saying that while people often believe wisdom and knowledge can be acquired through effort and experience, true understanding is innate—it’s something a person is born with or inherently possesses. On the other hand, she argues that strength, whether physical or mental, is a skill that can be developed and refined over time. Her statement implies that understanding is the rarer, more defining quality of a great leader, as it cannot be taught or learned. I do agree with her statement.
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No, I disagree with this statement. Wisdom and knowledge are definitely learned though not all choose to learn these things. One must make an effort to look around, engage in various activities with various people, think about the why of different viewpoints, and look for motivation and background experience of others. Early upbringing contributes much to this but is not a complete determiner. Physical strength is obtained through practice and training of the body and, also, involves motivation and drive. Many people are fools or perhaps, they have just not had the opportunity and encouragement to develop wisdom, knowledge, compassion and understanding.
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I’m not sure that physical strength is what she is referring to here. I think it is strength of character or mental strength/stamina to persist in whatever task is being undertaken. Not giving up or giving in to adversity.
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