Men are but children of a larger growth, Our appetites as apt to change as theirs, And full as craving too, and full as vain.
John DrydenRead
The longest tyranny that ever sway'd_x000D_ _x000D_ Was that wherein our ancestors betray'd_x000D_ _x000D_ Their free-born reason to the Stagirite [Aristotle],_x000D_ _x000D_ And made his torch their universal light._x000D_ _x000D_ So truth, while only one suppli'd the state,_x000D_ _x000D_ Grew scarce, and dear, and yet sophisticate.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote critiques the unquestioning acceptance of a single philosopher's ideas, suggesting it limits true understanding and freedom of thought.
John Dryden's quote reflects on the dangers of blindly following a singular authority, in this case, Aristotle, which he argues leads to a tyranny of thought. By surrendering their inherent capacity for reason to the teachings of one individual, people diminish the pursuit of truth, making it rare and convoluted, just as a state that relies on a singular viewpoint stifles diverse ideas and intellectual freedom.
Themes
TruthReasonPhilosophyTyrannyFreedom
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used to emphasize the importance of critical thinking in education.
More from John Dryden
All quotes βOf no distemper, of no blast he died, _x000D_ But fell like autumn fruit that mellow'd long: _x000D_ Even wonder'd at, because he dropp'd no sooner. _x000D_ Fate seem'd to wind him up for fourscore years; _x000D_ Yet freshly ran he on ten winters more; _x000D_ Till like a clock worn out with eating time, _x000D_ The wheels of weary life at last stood still.
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Shame on the body for breaking down while the spirit perseveres.
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And write whatever Time shall bring to pass_x000D_ _x000D_ With pens of adamant on plates of brass.
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