1
A little learning is a dangerous thing. Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian Spring;There shallow draughts intoxicate the brain, and drinking largely sobers us again.Alexander Pope
2
True Wit is Nature to advantage dress'd What oft was thought, but ne'er so well express'd; Something whose truth convinced at sight we find, That gives us back the image of our mind. As shades more sweetly recommend the light, So modest plainness sets off sprightly wit.Alexander Pope
3
Music resembles poetry, in each Are nameless graces which no methods teach, And which a master hand alone can reach.Alexander Pope
4
In words, as fashions, the same rule will hold; Alike fantastic, if too new, or old: Be not the first by whom the new are tried, Nor yet the last to lay the old aside.Alexander Pope
5
To err is human, to forgive, divine.Alexander Pope
6
Words are like Leaves; and where they most abound, Much Fruit of Sense beneath is rarely found.Alexander Pope
7
Trust not yourself; but your defects to know, Make use of ev'ry friend–and ev'ry foe.Alexander Pope
8
Those half-learn'd witlings, num'rous in our isle As half-form'd insects on the banks of NileAlexander Pope
9
Nature to all things fixed the limits fit And wisely curbed proud man's pretending wit. As on the land while here the ocean gains. In other parts it leaves wide sandy plains Thus in the soul while memory prevails, The solid power of understanding fails Where beams of warm imagination play, The memory's soft figures melt away One science only will one genius fit, So vast is art, so narrow human wit Not only bounded to peculiar arts, But oft in those confined to single parts Like kings, we lose the conquests gained before, By vain ambition still to make them more Each might his several province well command, Would all but stoop to what they understand.Alexander Pope
10
Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.Alexander Pope
11
Most critics, fond of subservient artstill make the whole depend upon a part. They talk of principles, but notions prize And all to one loved folly sacrifice.Alexander Pope
12
Some judge of authors' names, not works, and then nor praise nor blame the writings, but the men.Alexander Pope