by Colby

"A mighty Maze! but not without plan;" - An Essay on Man

cschoniwitz — 2012-12-07 07:33:37 UTC

This quote really just begins this entire poem. It outlines exactly what the poem is about, which is the greatness of what God created. It outlines that this complex world must of had God as the one and only creator.

"Say first, of God above, or man below. What can we reason, but from what we know?" - An Essay on Man

cschoniwitz — 2012-12-07 07:37:14 UTC

I think what Pope was trying to say here was that a person cannot speak on more than what they know. Not only speak, but reason in our own heads. This is so true in today's society because people tend to think that they know a lot. In all actuality, they don't.

"Trust not yourself; but your defects to know, Make use of every friend - and every foe." - An Essay on Criticism

cschoniwitz — 2012-12-07 07:42:46 UTC

When I first read this, I had an epiphany. I hate being corrected. Especially by irritating people, or by people I don't respect at all. I usually don't listen to what they say. But to think of it in a different way is surprising. Even your enemies, with hurtful words, have a little truth in them. Examine it. Don't let it affect you. But be curious, and try to fix what you know for a fact is wrong. Don't be so closed minded.

"The growing labors of the lengthened way, Th' increasing prospects tires our wandering eyes," - An Essay on Criticism

cschoniwitz — 2012-12-07 07:48:04 UTC

Though it might seem tough to fix your mistakes, you must press on. Though it might seem difficult when everything and everybody is against you, you must press on. In the end, it's all worth it.

"Words are like leaves; and where they most abound, Much fruit of sense beneath is rarely found." - An Essay on Criticism

cschoniwitz — 2012-12-07 07:50:21 UTC

This is like that old rhyme. Where sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me. Don't pay attention to useless words. They're just noises trying to distract you. Whatever you want to do, press on. Don't let someone's worthless words bring you down.