Meaning: The quote "This age thinks better of a gilded fool Than of a threadbare saint in wisdom's school" by Thomas Dekker, a dramatist, encapsulates a profound observation about societal attitudes towards appearance and substance. Thomas Dekker was a prominent English playwright and pamphleteer of the late 16th and early 17th centuries, known for his insightful and thought-provoking writings. This particular quote reflects a timeless truth about human nature and the values that society often prioritizes.

In this quote, the term "gilded fool" refers to someone who may appear wealthy, powerful, or influential on the surface, but lacks wisdom, intelligence, or genuine substance. The word "gilded" suggests a superficial or deceptive covering, much like gold plating over a base metal. This imagery implies that the individual is adorned with a facade of grandeur or sophistication, but underneath, they lack the qualities that truly matter.

On the other hand, the "threadbare saint" represents a person of wisdom and virtue, who may appear humble, worn, or unassuming in outward appearance. The term "threadbare" conveys a sense of worn-out or well-used clothing, suggesting a lack of material wealth or ostentation. However, the individual is described as a "saint," indicating a person of moral integrity, spiritual depth, and genuine wisdom.

The contrast between the gilded fool and the threadbare saint serves as a commentary on the values and perceptions of society. It highlights the tendency of people to be more impressed by outward displays of wealth, status, or glamour, even if they are superficial or hollow. Meanwhile, those who possess inner virtues such as wisdom, humility, and integrity may be overlooked or undervalued because they do not conform to society's superficial standards of success and prestige.

Dekker's astute observation speaks to the enduring tendency of human beings to be swayed by appearances and external trappings, often at the expense of recognizing and appreciating true wisdom and substance. This timeless insight continues to resonate in contemporary society, where the allure of material wealth, celebrity, and status often overshadows the deeper, more enduring qualities of character, integrity, and moral wisdom.

In the context of "wisdom's school," the quote suggests that despite the inherent value of wisdom and virtue, contemporary society may prioritize and elevate individuals who possess superficial qualities associated with wealth, power, and influence. This sentiment reflects a recurring theme in literature and philosophy, where the tension between appearance and reality, superficiality and substance, is a perennial subject of reflection and critique.

In conclusion, Thomas Dekker's quote "This age thinks better of a gilded fool Than of a threadbare saint in wisdom's school" offers a timeless commentary on the human tendency to prioritize appearances and outward trappings over inner wisdom and virtue. Through the juxtaposition of the gilded fool and the threadbare saint, Dekker illuminates the enduring conflict between surface glamour and genuine substance, inviting readers to consider the true nature of value and wisdom in a world often swayed by superficial allure.