Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame.
Alexander PopeRead
To observations which ourselves we make, we grow more partial for th' observer's sake.
Interpretation
We tend to become biased in our observations due to our personal involvement and perspectives.
This quote by Alexander Pope emphasizes how our personal experiences and positions as observers influence our interpretations of reality. When we make observations, we often allow our biases and emotional connections to color our view, leading us to prioritize our personal stake in the matter above an objective understanding.
In practice
During a discussion about a controversial topic, you might quote this to remind others of the biases that influence their views.
Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame.
What dire offence from am'rous causes springs, What mighty contests rise from trivial things.
Fair tresses man's imperial race ensnare; And beauty draws us with a single hair.
An honest man's the noblest work of God.
One thought of thee puts all the pomp to flight;_x000D_ _x000D_ Priests, tapers, temples, swim before my sight.
Who breaks a butterfly on a wheel?
All cities are mad: but the madness is gallant. All cities are beautiful: but the beauty is grim.
The destructive character lives from the feeling, not that life is worth living, but that suicide is not worth the trouble.
Most plain girls are virtuous because of the scarcity of opportunity to be otherwise.
Hill House, she thought, You're as hard to get into as heaven.
The first holy truth in God 101 is that men and women of true faith have always had to accept the mystery of God's identity and love and ways. I hate that, but it's the truth.
All lives have an equal value.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.