Quote by Alexander Pope, Essay on Critici

A little learning is a dangerous thing;Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring.There shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,And drinking largely sobers us again.


A little learning is a dangerous thing;Drink deep, or taste

Summary

This quote by Alexander Pope, from his poem "An Essay on Criticism," suggests that having a limited knowledge or understanding of something can be dangerous. The analogy of a shallow drink from the Pierian spring, which was believed to grant poetic inspiration, symbolizes superficial knowledge that can cause confusion and delusion. However, if one strives for a deeper understanding by drinking deeply from this spring, they will find clarity and a clearer perspective, since acquiring more knowledge allows for a more grounded and sober understanding of a subject.

By Alexander Pope, Essay on Critici
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