Alexander Pope Quotes

Pride where wit fails steps in to our defense, And fills up all the mighty void of sense. If once right reason drives that cloud away, Truth breaks upon us with resistless day Trust not yourself, but your defects to know, Make use of every friend — and every foe.

Com'è felice il destino dell'incolpevole vestale!
Dimentica del mondo, dal mondo dimenticata.
Infinita letizia della mente candida!
Accettata ogni preghiera e rinunciato a ogni desiderio.

Some praise at morning what they blame at night,
But always think the last opinion right.
A Muse by these is like a mistress used,
This hour she's idolized, the next abused;
While their weak heads, like towns unfortified,
'Twixt sense and nonsense daily change their side.
Ask them the cause; they're wiser still they say;
And still to-morrow's wiser than to-day.

The proper study of Mankind is Man

All fools have still an itching to deride

The most positive men are the most credulous...

What dire offence from am'rous causes springs,
What mighty contests rise from trivial things,...

Tis not enough, your counsel still be true;
Blunt truths more mischief than nice falsehoods do;

But why insult the poor, affront the great?'
A knave's a knave, to me, in every state.

For forms of Government let fools contest. Whate'er is best administered is best.

And binding Nature fast in fate, Left free the human will.

Tis not enough, your counsel still be true;
Blunt truths more mischief than nice falsehoods do;
Men must be taught as if you taught them not;
And things unknown proposed as things forgot.

With mean complacence ne'er betray your trust,
Nor be so civil as to prove unjust.
Fear not the anger of the wise to raise;
Those best can bear reproof, who merit praise.

'Tis best sometimes your censure to restrain,
And charitably let the dull be vain:
Your silence there is better than your spite,
For who can rail so long as they can write?

How happy is the blameless vestal's lot!
The world forgetting, by the world forgot.

A person who is too nice an observer of the business of the crowd, like one who is too curious in observing the labour of the bees, will often be stung for his curiosity.

Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame.