Skip to content

Thou god of our idolatry, the press. . . . Thou fountain…

“Thou god of our idolatry, the press. . . . Thou fountain, at which drink the good and wise; Thou ever-bubbling spring of endless lies; Like Eden's dread probationary tree, Knowledge of good and evil is from thee.” quote by William Cowper
Download Open image
“Thou god of our idolatry, the press. . . . Thou fountain, at which drink the good and wise; Thou ever-bubbling spring of endless lies; Like Eden's dread probationary tree, Knowledge of good and evil is from thee.”

William Cowper

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The press is portrayed as a deceptive source of knowledge, likened to a poisonous spring that offers both truth and falsehood.

In simple terms: The media can mislead, mixing truth with lies.

Key Takeaway

Question the credibility of information sources.

Themes

media truth deception knowledge religion

Mood

skeptical concerned

Type

cautionary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • news consumption
  • social media
  • political discourse

Key Concepts

propaganda information overload critical thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • What criteria do you use to verify information?
  • How does sensationalism affect belief?
A Different Perspective

Even honest seekers can be misled by persuasive presentation.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by William Cowper

Explore all 371 William Cowper quotes

More Drink quotes

Browse all 5,653 Drink quotes