Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame.
Such labour'd nothings, in so strange a style, Amaze th' unlearn'd and make the learned smile.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the paradox of art and intellect, where complex creations can bewilder those without knowledge while amusing those who understand.
In this quote, Alexander Pope reflects on the nature of artistic expression and how it can evoke different responses from people based on their knowledge and understanding. The 'labour'd nothings' refers to the painstaking work artists put into their creations, which can appear whimsical or nonsensical. While the unlearned may be amazed by the seemingly absurd, those who appreciate the deeper meaning or craftsmanship find joy in the cleverness and skill involved, thus creating a divide between different audiences.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about modern art and its impact, citing this quote can open up the conversation about differing interpretations.
More from Alexander Pope
All quotes βWhat dire offence from am'rous causes springs, What mighty contests rise from trivial things.
Fair tresses man's imperial race ensnare; And beauty draws us with a single hair.
An honest man's the noblest work of God.
One thought of thee puts all the pomp to flight;_x000D_ _x000D_ Priests, tapers, temples, swim before my sight.
Who breaks a butterfly on a wheel?
Similar quotes
Do you know what I've learned? That although ecstasy is the ability to stand outside yourself, dance is a way of rising up into space, of discovering new dimensions while still remaining in touch with your body. When you dance, the spiritual world and the real world manage to coexist quite happily. I think classical ballet dancers dance on pointe because they're simultaneously touching the earth and reaching up to the skies.
The men resent a woman getting any honour in what they consider is essentially their field. Men painters mostly despise women painters. So I have decided to stop squirming, to throw any honour in with Canada and women.
To me, rock music was never meant to be safe. I think there needs to be an element of intrigue, mystery, subversiveness. Your parents should hate it.
Comming from your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man
You must feel an affinity for what you are photographing. You must be part of it, and yet remain sufficiently detached to see it objectively. Like watching from the audience a play you already know by heart.
Performance is there, and if you are not there in that moment it happened, it just stays in the memory. It's so immaterial and something this immaterial is very difficult to collect. Its difficult to buy, its how we can buy immaterial art.