A Little Knowledge is a Dangerous Thing

First used by Alexander Pope (1688 – 1744) in An Essay on Criticism, 1709:

“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.”

This quote can be taken in many different ways:

Firstly the notion knowledge doesn’t necessarily require the presence of wisdom. The absence of wisdom can be a dangerous thing as exemplified in Dr Faustus. The requirement for his knowledge is his soul and it is only an absence of wisdom that leads to his selling of his soul. Furthermore, the notion that his knowledge originally before selling his soul doesn’t allow him to predict the effects of his contract nor does his wisdom throughout the play improve to an extent where he sees the situation he has gotten himself into and repents.

Secondly the notion that knowledge can bring a desire for more knowledge. Once again exemplified in Dr. Faustus, Faustus is not content with the normal scholastic version of learning through research and books. He gains knowledge from other scholars that black magic is an easier way to learn and that it is a rare art. His lack of knowledge on the subject leaves him curious and therefore leads to his demise towards the end of the play. Faustus’ quest for more knowledge is his demise. Already “blessed with doctors name”, Faustus is discontent with his standard of knowledge and this leads him to the contract to sell his soul. Furthermore it exaggerates the notion that with knowledge there is not necessarily wisdom.

Thirdly the notion that knowledge can result in a spiral of downfall and demise. Throughout the play, Faustus’ knowledge and desire for knowledge keeps him from repentance. Every time he comes near repentance the devils play with his greed and desire to lure him back with the temptation of further knowledge, fame and wealth.

Lastly, the acquiring of knowledge can lead to a misuse of it. With minimal knowledge, a person can change the purpose of that use for their will. Such an example isn’t directly present in Dr. Faustus however the knowledge of Black Magic shouldn’t have been used for the things Faustus used it for. It should have been used for his original intentions however with the lack of knowledge he had on the situation he sold his soul which was unnecessary as most personalities in the play could conjure something but he also used and then when he did so didn’t even put his power to good use purely because he didn’t have the knowledge of what the power was intended to do and he didn’t have the knowledge of what it would do to him. Also, his absence of knowing that hell was more of a metaphorical place than a physical one led him to signing a contract he didn’t fully understand which is another example of how knowledge can be a dangerous thing especially when the mind is allowed to adapt it because it doesn’t have the full picture.