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
I understood that you would take the Human Race in the concrete, have exploded the absurd notion of Pope's Essay on Man, [Erasmus] Darwin, and all the countless Believers-even (strange to say) among Xtians-of Man's having progressed from an Ouran Outang state-so contrary to all History, to all Religion, nay, to all Possibility-to have affirmed a Fall in some sense.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Coleridge critiques the idea of human evolution from a primitive state, emphasizing a need to acknowledge human fallibility.
In this quote, Samuel Taylor Coleridge argues against the popular belief of human progression from a primitive form of life, such as the 'Ouran Outang,' suggesting instead that recognizing a 'Fall' or decline in human nature is more in line with historical and religious perspectives. He highlights the absurdity of believing in a linear progression of humanity, challenging the optimistic view of human evolution and urging a more nuanced understanding of human nature that acknowledges its flaws.
Themes
Human NatureFallPhilosophyEvolutionHistory
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate on human evolution, one might quote Coleridge to emphasize the need to consider the complexities of human history.
More from Samuel Taylor Coleridge
All quotes →Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeRead
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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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
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