This cabin, Mary, in my sight appears,_x000D_ _x000D_ Built as it has been in our waning years,_x000D_ _x000D_ A rest afforded to our weary feet,_x000D_ _x000D_ Preliminary to - the last retreat.
William CowperRead
Knowledge, a rude unprofitable mass, the mere materials with which wisdom builds, till smoothed and squared and fitted to its place, does but encumber whom it seems to enrich. Knowledge is proud that he has learned so much; wisdom is humble that he knows no more.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Knowledge alone is insufficient without wisdom to apply it effectively.
This quote by William Cowper highlights the distinction between knowledge and wisdom. While knowledge consists of information and facts, it becomes truly valuable when shaped and utilized by wisdom. Knowledge can seem overwhelming and unhelpful if not directed wisely, as it is the application of knowledge through wisdom that leads to true understanding and enrichment.
Themes
KnowledgeWisdomLearningHumilityUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
In a seminar about education, one could quote Cowper to emphasize the importance of teaching students to think critically and apply their knowledge.
More from William Cowper
All quotes →Strength may wield the ponderous spade, May turn the clod, and wheel the compost home; But elegance, chief grace the garden shows, And most attractive, is the fair result Of thought, the creature of a polished mind.
William CowperRead
No wisdom that she may gain by experience and reflection hereafter, will compensate the loss of her present hilarity.
William CowperRead
Even in the stifling bosom of the town,_x000D_ _x000D_ A garden, in which nothing thrives, has charms_x000D_ _x000D_ That soothes the rich possessor; much consol'd,_x000D_ _x000D_ That here and there some sprigs of mournful mint,_x000D_ _x000D_ Or nightshade, or valerian, grace the well_x000D_ _x000D_ He cultivates.
William CowperRead
Now stir the fire, and close the shutters fast, Let fall the curtains, wheel the sofa around, And while the bubbling and loud-hissing urn Throws up a steamy column, and the cups That cheer but not inebriate, wait on each, So let us welcome peaceful evening in
William CowperRead
Thus happiness depends, as nature shows, less on exterior things than most suppose.
William CowperRead
Similar quotes
Since death will take us anyway, why live our life in fear? Why not die in our old ways and be free to live?
Jack KornfieldRead
Do not underestimate the human being, who sometimes appears so simple. Even with sight as sharp as an eagle, a mind as sharp as a razor, senses more powerful than gods, hearing that can catch the music and the lamentations of life, your knowledge of humanity will never be total.
Pramoedya Ananta ToerRead
Until the juice ferments a while in the cask, it isn't wine. If you wish your heart to be bright, you must do a little work.
RumiRead
Make the small big and the few many.
LaoziRead
Those who have not found their true wealth, which is the radiant joy of Being and the deep, unshakable peace that comes with it, are beggars, even if they have great material wealth. They are looking outside for scraps of pleasure or fulfillment, for validation, security, or love, while they have a treasure within that not only includes all those things but is infinitely greater than anything the world can offer.
Eckhart TolleRead
Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it.
Eckhart TolleRead