Affair Quote by W. H. Auden
“Thou shalt not answer questionnaires Or quizzes upon world affairs, Nor with compliance Take any test. Thou shalt not sit with statisticians nor commit A social science.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: "The Unknown Citizen", 1939
Avoid answering questionnaires or quizzes about world affairs, and stay away from statisticians and social science tests.
In simple terms: Do not comply with tests on global issues or statistics.
Key Takeaway
Resist superficial compliance.
Themes
individualism
skepticism
autonomy
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- academic settings
- political discussions
- media consumption
- career decisions
Key Concepts
critical thinking
social conformity
ethical integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you felt pressured to answer a quiz you didn’t understand?
- How do you balance skepticism with staying informed?
A Different Perspective
May limit informed decision‑making in complex matters.
