It is supposed that there has been progress in the science of textual criticism, and the most frivolous pretender has learned to talk superciliously about 'the old unscientific days'. The old unscientific days are everlasting; they are here and now; they are renewed perennially by the ear which takes formulas in, and the tongue which gives them out again, and the mind which meanwhile is empty of reflexion and stuffed with self-complacency.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Claims of progress in critical fields are often hollow, as superficial learning and empty complacency persist.
- In plain terms
- People pretend to be scientific but just repeat formulas without real thought.
- What can you take from it?
- Superficial knowledge and self-satisfaction can stall real progress.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Do you ever repeat formulas without understanding them?
- How can you tell real progress from pretense?
Another view
Some standardization and formulas are necessary for efficiency.
More from A. E. Housman
Most men are rather stupid, and most of those who are not stupid are, consequently, rather vain.
Permalink to quote #5 My heart always warms to people who do not come to see me, especially Americans, to whom it seems to be more of an effort.
Permalink to quote #7 Three minutes' thought would suffice to find this out; but thought is irksome and three minutes is a long time.
Permalink to quote #4
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