| Citation |
CC-H.782.010
15 Jan 1782:12 (886)
An Oration in praise of Ignorance. Delivered at the
Commencement in the University of Pennsylvania, July 4th,
1781, being the anniversary of the Declaration of
Independence. [156 lines] Follow the virtuoso; see what a
dance a butterfly can lead him; and with what care he saves
a moth; which all the world besides himself would wish
should be destroyed. [16 lines] Here no man meets with
respect on account of his knowledge, and the teachers of the
sciences (those of dancing, hair-dressing, and millinery
excepted) are held in the utmost contempt, and ranked with
the lowest of the people. Should our present fondness for
ignorance continue, America may become the elysium of the
world. . . [36 lines]
Since then all knowledge is at best but vain,
Since it not lessens, but increases pain,
It is most evidence, we may conclude
That in sheer ignorance consists all good;
That to be happy we need know no more
Than (nor so much as) two and two make four;
And therefore, as they care for nought that passes,
The happiest creatures in the world are asses.
|