Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame.
Alexander PopeRead
The bookful blockhead, ignorantly read With loads of learned lumber in his head.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote criticizes those who accumulate knowledge without understanding or wisdom.
Alexander Pope's quote highlights the futility of acquiring knowledge merely for the sake of it, suggesting that simply possessing learned information without comprehension or critical thinking leads to foolishness. It serves as a reminder that true wisdom lies not in the quantity of knowledge one has, but in the understanding and application of that knowledge in real life situations.
Themes
KnowledgeWisdomEducationUnderstandingFoolishness
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture about the importance of applying knowledge, this quote can illustrate the dangers of rote learning.
More from Alexander Pope
All quotes βWhat dire offence from am'rous causes springs, What mighty contests rise from trivial things.
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Fair tresses man's imperial race ensnare; And beauty draws us with a single hair.
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An honest man's the noblest work of God.
Alexander PopeRead
One thought of thee puts all the pomp to flight;_x000D_ _x000D_ Priests, tapers, temples, swim before my sight.
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Who breaks a butterfly on a wheel?
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