Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
We should not seek false comfort in misleading information that only serves our biases.
This quote by Samuel Taylor Coleridge warns against the dangers of accepting misleading truths that cater to our prejudices. He emphasizes that indulging in these 'poison blossoms' can foster bigotry and narcissism, urging us to pursue genuine understanding instead of convenient but false narratives.
Themes
TruthBiasMisrepresentationBigotrySelf-LoveWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about the importance of honesty in journalism.
More from Samuel Taylor Coleridge
All quotes βAnd 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
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.
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeRead
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