Alexander Pope on Wisdom
1688–1744 England
← All quotes by Alexander Pope
10 quotes
For fools rush in where angels fear to tread.
The fool is happy that he knows no more.
We think our fathers fools, so wise we grow;
Our wiser sons, no doubt, will think us so.
An Essay on Criticism (1709)
Whether the charmer sinner it, or saint it,
If folly grow romantic, I must paint it.
The rest on outside merit but presume,
Or serve (like other fools) to fill a room.
Leave such to trifle with more grace and ease,
Whom Folly pleases, and whose Follies please.
Tell (for you can) what is it to be wise?
'Tis but to know how little can be known,
To see all other's faults, and feel our own.
Die and endow a college or a cat.
So by false learning is good sense defac'd;
Some are bewilder'd in the maze of schools,
And some made coxcombs Nature meant but fools.
An Essay on Criticism (1709)
No creature smarts so little as a fool.