„Knowledge is proud that he has learned so much;
Wisdom is humble that he knows no more.“
— William Cowper, The Task
The Task (1785), Book VI, Winter Walk at Noon, Context: 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.
Books are not seldom talismans and spells.
Line 92.
