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Alexander Pope (1688 - 1744) wrote 'An Essay on Criticism' in 1709. In it he wrote:

"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." The modern meaning translates to mean that people with a small amount of knowledge often think that they have more 'expertise' than they really do. Sometimes, when this percieved 'expertise' translates into action, it can result in unpredictable, or even tragic consequences.

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14y ago
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13y ago

The correct phrase is, "A little learning is a dangerous thing." Used by St. John Chrysostom (c. 347-407):

"A little learning is a dangerous thing, because it makes those who have it unwilling to learn more. The unlearned are more open to conviction, because they are not so foolish as to think that they are wise."

From "Homilies on the Epistles of Paul to the Corinthians," 5.2, published in P. Schaff et al., eds. A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church. New York: Christian Literature, 1887-1894. Reprint, Grand Rapids, Mich." Eerdmans, 1952-1956. Reprint, Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson, 1994. Citation has "1 12:23" which I presume means the first series (two were printed, each containing 14 volumes), vol. 12, page (or section?) 23 - as quoted in: T. Oden and G. Bray, eds., Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, New Testament Vol. VII, 1-2 Corinthians. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1999, p. 17, in reference to I Cor. 1:26.

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Why is it said that little knowledge is a dangerous thing?

"A little knowledge is a dangerous thing" was first used by Alexander Pope in An Essay on Criticism (1709). It means that a small amount of knowledge can lead people to believe they know more about something than they really do.


Who said A little learning is dangerous thing?

The phrase "A little learning is a dangerous thing" is from the poem "An Essay on Criticism" by Alexander Pope. It suggests that having a small amount of knowledge can be more harmful than not having any knowledge at all because it can lead to overconfidence and errors in judgment.


Who said A little learning is a dangerous thing drink deep or taste not the Pierian spring?

The quote "A little learning is a dangerous thing; drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring" is from Alexander Pope's poem "An Essay on Criticism." It warns against the dangers of superficial knowledge and encourages seeking deep understanding instead. The Pierian spring refers to a source of knowledge in ancient Greek mythology.


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