Of a truth, Knowledge is power, but it is a power reined…
“Of a truth, Knowledge is power, but it is a power reined by scruple, having a conscience of what must be and what may be; whereas Ignorance is a blind giant who, let him but wax unbound, would make it a sport to seize the pillars that hold up the long-wrought fabric of human good, and turn all the places of joy as dark as a buried Babylon.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Knowledge grants power but must be guided by conscience; ignorance, unchecked, can corrupt and darken humanity.
In simple terms: Power needs conscience; ignorance corrupts.
Key Takeaway
Guard knowledge with ethics.
Themes
ethics
power
ignorance
humanity
Mood
thoughtful
cautionary
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- education policy
- media regulation
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
conscience
responsibility
corruption
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we ensure knowledge is used responsibly?
- What safeguards prevent ignorance from dominating?
A Different Perspective
Power without ethics can cause harm.