Books Quote by Alexander Pope
““A perfect Judge will read each work of Wit With the same spirit that its author writ; Survey the WHOLE, nor seek slight faults to find Where nature moves, and rapture warms the mind; … In wit, as nature, what effects our hearts Is not th'exactness of peculiar parts; 'Tis not a lip, or eye, we beauty call, But the joint force and full result of all.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: Moral Essays, 1741
A judge should evaluate wit holistically, appreciating the overall effect rather than dissecting minor flaws.
In simple terms: Judge wit by its whole impact, not tiny errors.
Key Takeaway
Focus on overall harmony.
Themes
criticism
appreciation
art
literature
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- reading poetry
- literary analysis
- teaching writing
Key Concepts
holistic evaluation
aesthetic judgment
Questions to Reflect On
- How does focusing on the whole change your judgment?
- What details might be missed?
A Different Perspective
May overlook subtle technical issues.
