An Essay on Criticism by Alexander Pope

Whoever thinks a faultless piece to see, Thinks what ne'er was, nor is, nor e'er shall be, In every work regard the writer's end, Since none can compass more than they intend; And if the means be just, the conduct true, Applause, in spite of trivial faults, is due.

— Alexander Pope, poetryfoundation.org

Faultless Flaws imperfect Applause

Music resembles poetry, in each Are nameless graces which no methods teach, And which a master hand alone can reach.

— Alexander Pope, poetryfoundation.org

Music Poetry Art Talent

Men must be taught as if you taught them not, And things unknown propos'd as things forgot.

— Alexander Pope, poetryfoundation.org

Teaching Learning

True ease in writing comes from art, not chance, As those move easiest who have learn'd to dance.

— Alexander Pope, poetryfoundation.org

Writing Art Chance dance

Our judgments, like our watches, none go just alike, yet each believes his own.

— Alexander Pope, poetryfoundation.org

Judgment Self-Deception

Words are like Leaves; and where they most abound, Much Fruit of Sense beneath is rarely found.

— Alexander Pope, poetryfoundation.org

Words Sense

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, poetryfoundation.org

Learning Drinking

Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.

— Alexander Pope, poetryfoundation.org

Fools Fear Angels

To err is human, to forgive, divine.

— Alexander Pope, poetryfoundation.org

human divine forgiveness

To err is human; to forgive, divine.

— Alexander Pope, poetryfoundation.org

Err forgive human divine

A little learning is a dang'rous thing.

— Alexander Pope, poetryfoundation.org

A little Knowledge Dunning-Kruger

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