Know then thyself, presume not God to scan;
The proper study of mankind is man.[317:1]
Essay on Man. Epistle ii. Line 1.
Chaos of thought and passion, all confused;
Still by himself abused or disabused;
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 hurled,—
The glory, jest, and riddle of the world.[317:2]
Essay on Man. Epistle ii. Line 13.