CHARACTER OF MAN.
Reading edition
Know then thyself; presume not God to scan The proper study of mankind, is man. Plac'd on this isthmus of a middle state, A being darkly wise, and rudely great; With too much knowledge for the sceptic side, With too much weakness for the stoic's pride, He hangs between; in doubt to act, or rest; In doubt, to deem himself a God, or beast; In doubt, his mind or body to prefer; Born, but to die; and reas'ning, but to err: Alike in ignorance, his reason such, Whether he thinks too little or too much: Chaos of thought and passion, all confus'd; Still by himself abus'd, or disabus'd: Created, half to rise, and half to fall; Great lord of all things, yet a prey to all: Sole judge of truth, in endless error hurl'd; The glory, jest, and riddle of the world!