In "The Amber Spyglass," Philip Pullman suggests that wisdom often operates quietly and unobtrusively. It suggests that true understanding and insight do not always flourish in grand, public spaces like courts and palaces but instead thrive in more modest, overlooked environments. This portrayal highlights the contrast between the ostentatious displays of power and the subtle, yet profound, nature of wisdom.

This idea evokes the image of wisdom as an elusive entity, moving stealthily among ordinary people while the powerful may be blinded by their own ambition. It reflects the notion that the most valuable truths are not always found in the limelight, but rather in the whispers of everyday life, where genuine knowledge can endure and influence quietly. Pullman emphasizes that wisdom can persist and impact society despite its secretive journey.