Tell troth and shame the devil.
Ben JonsonRead
I know no disease of the soul but ignorance, a pernicious evil, the darkener of man's life, the disturber of his reason, and common confounder of truth.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Ignorance is the root cause of many troubles in life.
In this quote, Ben Jonson suggests that ignorance is the greatest affliction one can experience, as it obscures truth and distorts reason. He emphasizes that a lack of knowledge leads to confusion and distress in life, implying that enlightenment and awareness are essential for a fulfilling existence.
Themes
IgnoranceKnowledgeTruthReasonEnlightenment
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a speech about the importance of education.
More from Ben Jonson
All quotes →We are persons of quality, I assure you, and women of fashion, and come to see and to be seen.
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All concord's born of contraries.
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Queen and huntress, chaste and fair Now the sun is laid to sleep, Seated in thy silver chair, State in wonted manner keep: Hesperus entreats thy light Goddess, excellently bright.
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You are not now to think what's best to do, _x000D_ As in beginnings, but what must be done, _x000D_ Being thus enter'd; and slip no advantage _x000D_ That may secure you. Let them call it mischief; _x000D_ When it is past, and prosper'd , 'twill be virtue.
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Very few men are wise by their own council, or learned by their own teaching. For he that was only taught by himself, had a fool for a master.
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