Based on Chapter 17, what characterizes a person who is 'dull-witted' or 'ignorant' versus one who is 'wise'?

Chapter 17 draws a clear distinction between the ignorant and the wise. A 'dull-witted' or 'ignorant' person is conquered by Preya (the path of worldly joy). They are caught in the cycle of maintaining their body, family, wealth, and status, and their mind is distracted by the greed of the senses. This chapter notes that even if they are 'learned' in some respects, if they engage in sinful deeds and don't know right from wrong, that knowledge is of no benefit. In contrast, the 'wise' are described as courageous, intelligent, and fortunate. They are not deluded by Preya. Like a swan that separates milk from water, they discriminate between the two paths and cling only to Shreya (the path of salvation).