We ought not to extract pernicious honey from poison blossoms of misrepresentation and mendacious half-truth, to pamper the course appetite of bigotry and self-love.
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeRead
Every reform, however necessary, will by weak minds be carried to an excess, that itself will need reforming.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Reforms can often go too far due to misguided intentions, necessitating further adjustments.
This quote by Samuel Taylor Coleridge reflects the idea that while reforms are essential for progress, they can sometimes be taken too far by those who do not fully understand the implications. It suggests that even well-intentioned changes may lead to new problems that require additional reforms, highlighting the complexity of societal improvement and the need for careful consideration in the reform process.
Themes
ReformChangeExcessProgressNecessity
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about social changes, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of moderation in reform efforts.
More from Samuel Taylor Coleridge
All quotes βCommon sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeRead
And all who heard should see them there, And all should cry, Beware! Beware! His flashing eyes, his floating hair! Weave a circle round him thrice, And close your eyes with holy dread, For he on honey-dew hath fed, And drunk the milk of Paradise.
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeRead
Often do the spirits stride on before the event; and in today already walks tomorrow.
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeRead
Mr. Lyell's system of geology is just half the truth, and no more. He affirms a great deal that is true, and he denies a great deal which is equally true; which is the general characteristic of all systems not embracing the whole truth.
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeRead
To believe and to understand are not diverse things, but the same things in different periods of growth.
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeRead
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