Eels Quote by Tobias Smollett
“A mere index hunter, who held the eel of science by the tail.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Expedition of the Mysterious Island, 1764
A scholar obsessively pursues knowledge without understanding its deeper implications.
In simple terms: Chasing facts without insight.
Key Takeaway
Seek depth, not just data.
Themes
knowledge
obsession
science
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
critical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- scientific discovery
- policy making
- education
- innovation
Key Concepts
epistemology
hubris
Questions to Reflect On
- What deeper questions are you ignoring?
- How does curiosity differ from obsession?
A Different Perspective
Focusing solely on data can lead to misinterpretation.
![“A mere index hunter, who held the eel of science by the tail. Index-hunter is a term used mockingly, meaning one who acquires superficial knowledge merely by consulting indexes. The '[holding] the eel of science by the tail' allusion was used in 1728 by Alexander Pope (q.v.).” quote by Tobias Smollett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6e1/tobias-smollett-18143_acquire_a-mere-index-hunter-who-held-the-eel-of_2385125.jpg)
![“You [demagogues] are like the fishers for eels; in still waters they catch nothing, but if they thoroughly stir up the slime, their fishing is good; in the same way it's only in troublous times that you line your pockets.” quote by Aristophanes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4f7/aristophanes-3340_demagoguery_you-demagogues-are-like-the-fishers-for_87488.jpg)
