Generalization is necessary to the advancement of knowledge; but particularly is indispensable to the creations of the imagination. In proportion as men know more and think more they look less at individuals and more at classes. They therefore make better theories and worse poems.

Summary

This quote suggests that generalization is essential for the progress of knowledge and especially crucial for imaginative creations. As people acquire more knowledge and expand their thinking, they tend to focus less on individual experiences and more on broader categories or groups. This shift leads to the development of more solid theories but potentially diminishes the quality of poetry or works of art. In essence, this quote highlights the trade-off between creating comprehensive theories based on generalizations and creating aesthetically pleasing and emotionally resonant works that capture the complexities of individual experiences.