Knowledge, a rude unprofitable mass, The mere materials with which wisdom builds, Till smoothed and squared and fitted to its place, Does but encumber whom it seems to enrich. Knowledge is proud that he has learned so much; Wisdom is humble that he knows no more.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Raw knowledge becomes useful only when refined into wisdom; wisdom involves humility.
- In plain terms
- Just knowing facts isn't enough; you need wisdom and humility.
- What can you take from it?
- Turn information into wisdom through humility.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do I turn data into wisdom?
- Am I proud of what I know?
Another view
Raw knowledge is still valuable for specialists who do not need wisdom.
More from William Cowper
Here the heart May give a useful lesson to the head, And Learning wiser grow without his books.
Permalink to quote #91 Nature is but a name for an effect, Whose cause is God.
Permalink to quote #93 There is in souls a sympathy with sounds; And as the mind is pitched the ear is pleased With melting airs or martial, brisk, or grave: Some chord in unison wit…
Permalink to quote #90
Related quotes
Life is not a thing of knowing only - nay, mere knowledge has properly no place at all save as it becomes the handmaiden of feeling and emotion.
Learned HandLearned Hand quote #1 I speak from ignorance. Who once learned much, but speaks from ignorance now.
Nathaniel TarnNathaniel Tarn quote #1 Pero el que no pudiere alcancar a tener la sabiduria en servidumbre, logrela en familiaridad.
Baltasar GracianBaltasar Gracian quote #2