quote · Words worth keeping
Knowledge and wisdom, far from being one, Have oft-times no connexion, knowledge dwells In heads replete with thoughts of other men; Wisdom in minds attentive to their own. Knowledge, a rude unprofitable mass, The mere materials with which wisdom builds, Till smooth’d and squared, and fitted to its place, Does but encumber whom it seems t’ enrich. Knowledge is proud that he has learn’d so much, Wisdom is humble that he knows no more.
Knowledge and wisdom, far from being one, Have oft-times no connexion, knowledge dwells In heads replete with thoughts of other men; Wisdom in minds attentive to their own. Knowledge, a rude unprofitable mass, The mere materials with which wisdom builds, Till smooth’d and squared, and fitted to its place, Does but encumber whom it seems t’ enrich. Knowledge is proud that he has learn’d so much, Wisdom is humble that he knows no more.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- William Cowper
Attribution: attributed - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- c. 1765 AD · early modern
author lifetime midpoint (1731–1800); not necessarily a composition date.