Alexander Pope Thinking Quotations

Some old men, continually praise the time of their youth. In fact, you would almost think that there were no fools in their days, but unluckily they themselves are left as an example.

Man never thinks himself happy, but when he enjoys those things which others want or desire.

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.

Fondly we think we honor merit then, when we but praise ourselves in other men.

Calm, thinking villains, whom no faith could fix, Of crooked counsels and dark politics.

Vices and virtues are of a strange nature, for the more we have, the fewer we think we have.

I think a good deal may be said to extenuate the fault of bad Poets. What we call a Genius, is hard to be distinguish'd by a man himself, from a strong inclination: and if his genius be ever so great, he can not at first discover it any other way, than by giving way to that prevalent propensity which renders him the more liable to be mistaken.

But thinks, admitted to that equal sky, His faithful dog shall bear him company.

With too much quickness ever to be taught; With too much thinking to have common thought.

It is very natural for a young friend and a young lover to think the persons they love have nothing to do but to please them.

I believe it is no wrong Observation, that Persons of Genius, and those who are most capable of Art, are always fond of Nature, as such are chiefly sensible, that all Art consists in the Imitation and Study of Nature. On the contrary, People of the common Level of Understanding are principally delighted with the Little Niceties and Fantastical Operations of Art, and constantly think that finest which is least Natural.

A brave man thinks no one his superior who does him an injury, for he has it then in his power to make himself superior to the other by forgiving it.

Some praise at morning what they blame at night, but always think the last opinion right.

Amusement is the happiness of those who cannot think.

Is it, in Heav'n, a crime to love too well? To bear too tender or too firm a heart, To act a lover's or a Roman's part? Is there no bright reversion in the sky For those who greatly think, or bravely die?

To be, contents his natural desire, He asks no angel's wing, no seraph's fire; But thinks, admitted to that equal sky, His faithful dog shall bear him company. Go wiser thou! and in thy scale of sense Weigh thy opinion against Providence.

Is there no bright reversion in the sky, For those who greatly think or bravely die?