Wise Men Say... Trivia Quiz

Answer: Fools

"I Can't Help Falling in Love with You" was recorded by Presley in 1961. It was often used as Presley's finale at his concerts. The tune comes from a famous 16th century French love song.

Answer: Poor Richard's Almanack 1736

"Poor Richard's Alamanack" was published from 1758 to 1773. Publisher Benjamin Franklin used "Poor Richard" as a pseudonym. The almanac was popular, selling about 10,000 copies each year.

Answer: Confucius

Confucius is China's most popular philosopher. After working as a government official for the Prince of Lu, he decided to begin a school. Through his teachings and writings, a philosophy was developed that was adopted and taught by his followers. By the second century BCE Confucianism became a state recognized religion.

Although many of his teachings and quotes (including the one in this question) cannot be directly attributed to him, Confucius still has a large influence on Chinese culture today.

Answer: Declaration of Independence

Locke's philosophy on government was connected to his religious belief that all men were created by God to be free. Therefore, according to Locke, any government needed to act only in a way that preserved that God-given right for the people. Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence made the consent of the governed a central theme of his document.

The Declaration of Independence set the stage for the American Revolution.

Answer: Solomon

According to the Bible, King Solomon, when told that God would grant him any request, asked God for a "discerning heart" so he could "distinguish between right and wrong" (I Kings 3). God granted that request and Solomon became known as a wise man. According to I Kings 4:32 he wrote 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs. Solomon is credited with writing most of the book of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, found in the Old Testament.

Answer: Aristotle

For about twenty years, Aristotle was a student under Plato. While he loved his teacher, Aristotle developed a philosophy that was often at odds with his teacher. For example, they came to different conclusions in regards to such subjects as politics, the human condition, and the definition of goodness. It is these disagreements that supposedly led Aristotle to make the above quote regarding his teacher Plato.
In spite of their differences, both men are seen as among the world's most influential philosophers.

Answer: Emily Dickinson

Dickinson was deemed an eccentric recluse by the citizens of her hometown of Amherst, Massachusetts. Her years' seclusion was tied to her desire to care for her ailing mother, although serious social phobias may have also played a part. It was during this extensive period of societal withdrawal that she wrote many of her poems. Dickinson wrote hundreds of poems, but only ten were published while she was alive.

After her death, Dickinson's sister, Lavinia, had her works published. In her simple poems readers could see that even in her melancholy life she was able to gain and share wisdom.

Answer: Tortoise

"King Fu Panda" was released in 2008. The Dreamworks movie led to a franchise that includes more movies, an award winning television show and video games. The original film tells the story of an awkward, non-athletic panda who ,inexplicably, is chosen to be trained to become a King-Fu Dragon Warrior. Grand Master Oogway chooses the panda and his wise council helps the panda reach his goal.

Answer: Owl

The origin of an owl being a symbol of wisdom is unknown. Some trace it back to Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom. One of her symbols was an owl. Another theory is that an owl's large eyes leave the impression that it is all-seeing, therefore, wise.

In almost all ancient cultures owls have some sort of significance. Scientists tell us that in fact, owls are not very intelligent at all.

Answer: The Karate Kid

In this 1984 movie, Mr. Miyagi helps Daniel learn to defend himself and compete against some bullies in a karate tournament. The "wax on, wax off" exercise was meant to teach Daniel the commitment needed to excel, while also teaching him a basic karate move. A side benefit was that Mr. Miyagi's car was waxed.