An Essay on Criticism by Alexander Pope | Poetry Foundation

On May 15, 1711, Alexander Pope's "An Essay on Criticism" was published anonymously. Written when he was a mere 23, it is renown for its quotable phrases such as:

“To err is human, to forgive, divine.”

“Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.”

“A little learning is a dangerous thing.
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian Spring;
There shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
and drinking largely sobers us again.”

“True ease in writing comes from art, not chance,
As those move easiest who have learn'd to dance.”

“Whoever thinks a faultless piece to see,
Thinks what ne'er was, nor is, nor e'er shall be,
In every work regard the writer's end,
Since none can compass more than they intend;
And if the means be just, the conduct true,
Applause, in spite of trivial faults, is due.”

“Trust not yourself; but your defects to know,
Make use of ev'ry friend—and ev'ry foe.”

“Be not the first by whom the new are tried,
Nor yet the last to lay the old aside.”

“Tis hard to say, if greater want of skill
Appear in writing or in judging ill”

“Launch not beyond your depth”