Whilst the misguided Follower climbs with Pain, Mountains of Whimsies, heapt in his own Brain, Stumbling from Thought to Thought, falls headlong down Into Doubt's boundless Sea, where like to drown, Books bear him up a-while, and make him try To swim with Bladders of Philosophy.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Philosophical study without grounding leads to confusion and drowning in doubt.
- In plain terms
- Following complex theories often leads to getting lost.
- What can you take from it?
- Avoid overcomplicating ideas with useless theory.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is this learning useful?
- How much theory is enough?
Another view
Theory is necessary for deep understanding.
More from John, 2nd Earl of Rochester Wilmot
Reason, an Ignis fatuus of the Mind, Which leaves the light of Nature, Sense, behind.
Permalink to quote #23 Then Old Age, and Experience, hand in hand, Lead him to death, and make him understand, After a Search so painful, and so long, That all his Life he has been i…
Permalink to quote #25 Were I, who to my Cost already am One of those strange, prodigious Creatures Man, A Spirit free, to choose for my own Share, What sort of Flesh and Blood I ple…
Permalink to quote #22
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