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
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Coleridge critiques a geological theory for presenting a partial truth instead of a comprehensive understanding.
In this quote, Samuel Taylor Coleridge emphasizes the idea that any system of thought or theory that only embraces a fraction of the truth is inherently flawed. He criticizes Mr. Lyell's geological perspective for acknowledging certain truths while simultaneously rejecting other truths, thereby highlighting the importance of holistic understanding in any intellectual or scientific endeavor.
Themes
TruthGeologyPhilosophyUnderstandingTheory
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about scientific theories, you might use this quote to illustrate the importance of considering multiple perspectives.
More from Samuel Taylor Coleridge
All quotes →Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.
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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.
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Often do the spirits stride on before the event; and in today already walks tomorrow.
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To believe and to understand are not diverse things, but the same things in different periods of growth.
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I look'd to Heav'n, and try'd to pray; But or ever a prayer had gusht, A wicked whisper came and made My heart as dry as dust.
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