Quote by Alexander Pope

See skulking Truth to her old cavern fled,Mountains of Casuistry heap'd o'er her head!Philosophy, that lean'd on Heav'n before,Shrinks to her second cause, and is no more.Physic of Metaphysic begs defence,And Metaphysic calls for aid on Sense!See Mystery to Mathematics fly!

See skulking Truth to her old cavern fled,Mountains of Casui

Summary

This quote from Alexander Pope's "Essay on Man" highlights the diminishing importance of truth and philosophy in the face of complexity and intellectual pursuits. Truth is portrayed as retreating to her hiding place, overwhelmed by the mountains of casuistry (deceptive reasoning). Philosophy, once reliant on celestial matters, now turns to explain things in more mundane terms. Metaphysics seeks support from physics, and physics seeks help from the senses. Even mysteries are abandoned in favor of mathematic calculations, reflecting a shift towards practicality and empirical analysis. The quote essentially depicts a decline of purity and abstract thinking in favor of more tangible and scientific approaches.

By Alexander Pope

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