सुभाषितरत्नसमुच्चय - विद्वज्जन अभाव

यत्र विद्वज्जनो नास्ति श्लाघ्यस्तत्राल्पधीरपि ।
निरस्तपादपे देशे एरण्डोऽपि द्रुमायते ॥

- सुभाषितरत्नसमुच्चय

Even a little knowledgeable people are regarded with high respect in places which does not have any wise men. In a dry and arid place even castor-oil plants are treated as if they are great trees.

- Subhashita Ratnasamuchchaya