Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame.
Alexander PopeRead
Trace Science, then, with Modesty thy guide,_x000D_ _x000D_ First strip off all her equipage of Pride,_x000D_ _x000D_ Deduct what is but Vanity or Dress,_x000D_ _x000D_ Or Learning's Luxury or idleness,_x000D_ _x000D_ Or tricks, to show the stretch of the human brain_x000D_ _x000D_ Mere curious pleasure or ingenious pain.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote encourages a humble pursuit of knowledge, urging one to avoid pride and vanity in the quest for understanding.
Alexander Pope's quote emphasizes the importance of approaching science with humility. He suggests that one should strip away distractions such as pride, vanity, and superficial learning that do not contribute to genuine knowledge. By keeping modesty as a guiding principle, one can focus on the true essence of scientific inquiry, free from the embellishments and distractions that often accompany the pursuit of knowledge.
Themes
ScienceHumilityKnowledgeModestyIgnoranceVanity
In practice
Example use cases
Use this quote to inspire students at a science fair to pursue knowledge with integrity.
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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