The wise of today
Most men stand with both feet firmly planted on the ground, while passing judgment on this, that, and the other. With the beginning of wisdom, however, one seems to be forever floating above the ground, arms and legs flailing about for something to hold onto, while being buffeted about by this, that, and the other.
Decency
It is the one who is too cowardly to tread the spiritual path who is praised - for his humanity! The "decent citizen" is a reasonable man whose irrationality can be concealed by favourable circumstances.
Words
The false wise men of today cultivate a magnificent speaking voice and an articulate, poetic expression. Their words conjure up visions of astounding beauty and vast power. This is all to make up for the paucity of understanding.
O how difficult they make it for the truly wise - they have taken all his words from him! When the man of true wisdom speaks, the people say: "He cannot speak as well as that other fellow, he doesn't have the same wisdom."