Alexander Pope on Men
1688–1744 England
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6 quotes
An honest man's the noblest work of God.
Virtuous and vicious every man must be,
Few in the extreme, but all in the degree.
Know then thyself, presume not God to scan;
The proper study of mankind is man.
No more was seen the human form divine.
So man, who here seems principal alone,
Perhaps acts second to some sphere unknown
Touches some wheel, or verges to some goal;
'Tis but a part we see, and not a whole.
Chaos of thought and passion, all confused;
Still by himself abused and disabused;
Created half to rise, and half to fall;
Great lord of all things, yet a prey to all;
Sole judge of truth, in endless error hurled;
The glory, jest and riddle of the world!