Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame.
Alexander PopeRead
A person who is too nice an observer of the business of the crowd, like one who is too curious in observing the labor of bees, will often be stung for his curiosity.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Being overly curious about others' affairs can lead to negative consequences.
This quote by Alexander Pope suggests that excessive curiosity about the activities and behaviors of others, particularly in a group setting, can result in unintended harm or backlash. Just as a curious observer of bees might get stung for intruding upon their labor, a person who pries too deeply into the lives or concerns of others might suffer repercussions for their intrusion.
Themes
CuriosityObservationCrowdConsequencesIntrusion
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion about privacy, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of respecting boundaries.
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.
Alexander PopeRead
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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