Tell troth and shame the devil.
Ben JonsonRead
I know no disease of the soul but ignorance, a pernicious evil, the darkener of man's life, the disturber of his reason, and common confounder of truth.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Ignorance is the root cause of many troubles in life.
In this quote, Ben Jonson suggests that ignorance is the greatest affliction one can experience, as it obscures truth and distorts reason. He emphasizes that a lack of knowledge leads to confusion and distress in life, implying that enlightenment and awareness are essential for a fulfilling existence.
Themes
IgnoranceKnowledgeTruthReasonEnlightenment
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a speech about the importance of education.
More from Ben Jonson
All quotes βWe are persons of quality, I assure you, and women of fashion, and come to see and to be seen.
Ben JonsonRead
All concord's born of contraries.
Ben JonsonRead
Queen and huntress, chaste and fair Now the sun is laid to sleep, Seated in thy silver chair, State in wonted manner keep: Hesperus entreats thy light Goddess, excellently bright.
Ben JonsonRead
You are not now to think what's best to do, _x000D_ As in beginnings, but what must be done, _x000D_ Being thus enter'd; and slip no advantage _x000D_ That may secure you. Let them call it mischief; _x000D_ When it is past, and prosper'd , 'twill be virtue.
Ben JonsonRead
Very few men are wise by their own council, or learned by their own teaching. For he that was only taught by himself, had a fool for a master.
Ben JonsonRead
Similar quotes
The key to wisdom is this - constant and frequent questioning, for by doubting we are led to question and by questioning we arrive at the truth.
Peter AbelardRead
Men are seldom blessed with good fortune and good sense at the same time.
LivyRead
The great person never loses a childlike spirit.
MenciusRead
I don't guess. I think. I ponder. I deduce. Then I decide. But I never guess.
William GoldmanRead
Summer, and he watches his children's heart break. Autumn again and Boo's children needed him. Atticus was right. One time he said you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them. Just standing on the Radley porch was enough.
Harper LeeRead
You are responsible for your life. You can't keep blaming somebody else for your dysfunction. Life is really about moving on.
Oprah WinfreyRead