I'd have taken you for a philosopher, if you'd kept quiet.

What it means

A man who called himself a philosopher bore an insult patiently, then asked if he had proved it. The reply: I would have believed it, had you stayed silent. Real wisdom does not need an audience.

The source

"I'd have taken you for a philosopher, if you'd kept quiet." Boethius said it in Consolation of Philosophy 2.7. Translated from the original Latin by Spartan Surfers.

"'Intellexeram,' inquit, 'si tacuisses.'"

Original Latin, Consolation of Philosophy 2.7. Text read at gutenberg.org.

Who said it

Boethius (c. 477–524 AD). Roman statesman who wrote The Consolation of Philosophy in prison while awaiting execution. It became one of the most widely read books of the Middle Ages.

Questions

What does "I'd have taken you for a philosopher, if you'd kept quiet." mean?

A man who called himself a philosopher bore an insult patiently, then asked if he had proved it. The reply: I would have believed it, had you stayed silent. Real wisdom does not need an audience.

Who said "I'd have taken you for a philosopher, if you'd kept quiet."?

Boethius (c. 477–524 AD). Source: Consolation of Philosophy 2.7.

What is the original Latin?

'Intellexeram,' inquit, 'si tacuisses.'. Translated from the original Latin by Spartan Surfers.

Is "I'd have taken you for a philosopher, if you'd kept quiet." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"I'd have taken you for a philosopher, if you'd kept quiet." (Boethius, Consolation of Philosophy 2.7, translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/id-have-taken-you-for-a-philosopher-if