The more wit the less courage.

Thomas Fuller's quote, "The more wit the less courage," suggests a connection between cleverness and the ability to take bold action. Wit, often defined as quick and sharp intellect or humor, can sometimes be a barrier to showing courage, which requires the strength to face challenges or adversity head-on. Fuller’s statement implies that people who are highly witty may rely more on their intellect or verbal skills to navigate situations, rather than on the bravery to confront issues directly or make difficult decisions.

Fuller’s perspective is rooted in the belief that those with wit may become more focused on deflection or using humor to avoid discomfort, instead of addressing matters with the resolve and action that true courage requires. In contrast, courage often involves facing fear and uncertainty without the ability to "talk your way out" of situations. Thus, wit, in Fuller's view, might mask a lack of deeper fortitude or the willingness to confront reality head-on.

This idea reflects the 17th-century intellectual context in which Fuller was writing, a time when both rhetoric and reasoning were valued, but where direct action and personal bravery were also essential qualities. His quote highlights the tension between intellect and action, suggesting that while wit might help one navigate social situations or challenges through humor or cleverness, it may also create a reliance on words rather than decisive, courageous deeds.

Ultimately, Fuller's quote serves as a commentary on the human tendency to lean on intelligence or wit as a defense mechanism, which can sometimes come at the expense of developing the courage to face life's challenges more directly. It emphasizes the idea that while wit can be a useful tool, true courage requires a different set of inner resources—those that do not shy away from discomfort or confrontation.