APPANAGE (A'PPANAGE) n.s.[appanagium, low Latin; probably…
![“APPANAGE (A'PPANAGE) n.s.[appanagium, low Latin; probably from panis, bread.]Lands set apart by princes for the maintenance of their younger children. He became suitor for the earldom of Chester, a kind of appanage to Wales, and using to go to the king’s son.Bacon. Had he thought it fit,That…” quote by Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/f23/samuel-johnson-50_children_appanage-a-ppanage-n-s-appanagium-low-la_2887722.jpg)
““APPANAGE (A'PPANAGE) n.s.[appanagium, low Latin; probably from panis, bread.]Lands set apart by princes for the maintenance of their younger children. He became suitor for the earldom of Chester, a kind of appanage to Wales, and using to go to the king’s son.Bacon. Had he thought it fit,That wealth should be the appanage of wit,The God of light could ne’er have been so blind,To deal it to the worst of human kind.Swift.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Appanage, originally land for royal children, is likened to wit’s wealth, suggesting that intellect can be a source of both sustenance and blindness.
In simple terms: Intellect can be both a gift and a curse.
Key Takeaway
Use wit wisely.
Themes
knowledge
power
responsibility
Mood
cautious
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- academic pursuits
- creative writing
- leadership decisions
Key Concepts
intellectual humility
ethical use of talent
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure your knowledge serves the common good?
- When might brilliance become dangerous?
A Different Perspective
Intellect without moral guidance can harm society.