Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame.
Alexander PopeRead
Say first, of god above or man below; what can we reason but from what we know.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes that our reasoning is based on our knowledge and experiences, whether about divine or human matters.
In this quote, Alexander Pope suggests that our capacity to reason and understand the world is intrinsically tied to what we already know. It implies that knowledge forms the foundation of our thoughts and beliefs, influencing how we perceive both divinity and humanity. Thus, we can only draw conclusions and form arguments based on our accumulated experiences and understanding, highlighting the importance of education and awareness in developing reasoned perspectives.
Themes
ReasoningKnowledgeUnderstandingExperiencePhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about ethics, the quote can be used to emphasize the importance of grounded reasoning.
More from Alexander Pope
All quotes →What dire offence from am'rous causes springs, What mighty contests rise from trivial things.
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Fair tresses man's imperial race ensnare; And beauty draws us with a single hair.
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An honest man's the noblest work of God.
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One thought of thee puts all the pomp to flight;_x000D_ _x000D_ Priests, tapers, temples, swim before my sight.
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Who breaks a butterfly on a wheel?
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