Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame.
Alexander PopeRead
Lo! the poor Indian! whose untutor'd mind_x000D_ _x000D_ Sees God in clouds, or hears him in the wind;_x000D_ _x000D_ His soul proud Science never taught to stray_x000D_ _x000D_ Far as the solar walk or milky way.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the contrast between the uneducated mind and the vast knowledge of science.
In this quote, Alexander Pope illustrates a profound observation about the nature of belief and understanding. The 'poor Indian' represents those who perceive the divine and the natural world through instinct and emotion rather than formal education. While proud science offers a more expansive view of the universe, it may not encapsulate the spiritual connections that the unlearned experience through their simple yet profound interpretations of nature.
Themes
BeliefScienceNatureSpiritualityKnowledge
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on the intersections of science and spirituality, this quote can be used to highlight different perspectives on understanding the universe.
More from Alexander Pope
All quotes →What dire offence from am'rous causes springs, What mighty contests rise from trivial things.
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Fair tresses man's imperial race ensnare; And beauty draws us with a single hair.
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An honest man's the noblest work of God.
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One thought of thee puts all the pomp to flight;_x000D_ _x000D_ Priests, tapers, temples, swim before my sight.
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Who breaks a butterfly on a wheel?
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