Know then Source thyself, presume not God to scan; > > The proper study of mankind is man.
Alexander Pope penned these iconic lines in his masterpiece, “An Essay on Man.” This philosophical poem serves as a profound exploration of human nature. Furthermore, it examines our place within the vast, intricate order of the universe. Pope did not write in a vacuum. He was a central figure of the Augustan Age, a period steeped in Enlightenment ideals. Consequently, his work champions reason, order, and the search for universal truths. Through elegant heroic couplets, Pope endeavors to “vindicate the ways of God to Man,” arguing that our world, despite its apparent chaos, operates under a divine and logical plan.
This famous couplet acts as the poem’s thesis. It delivers a powerful directive for humanity. First, Pope urges us toward self-reflection with “Know then thyself.” He suggests that true wisdom begins with introspection, not speculation about the divine. The second part, “presume not God to scan,” is a caution against intellectual pride. Pope believed it was hubris for finite human minds to attempt to comprehend God’s infinite plan. Therefore, the ultimate pursuit of knowledge should be focused inward and on our own species. The proper study, he concludes, is mankind itself.
The Great Chain of Being
To understand Pope’s vision, we must first grasp the concept of the Great Chain of Being. This classical and medieval idea posits that a divine order structures all of creation. It arranges everything in a hierarchy, from the smallest rock to God himself. Every creature and object has a specific, unchangeable place in this chain. For example, angels sit above humans, while animals and plants reside below. This framework was immensely influential during the Enlightenment. Pope masterfully used it to explain humanity’s role in the cosmos.
He argued that humans occupy a unique middle state on this chain. Source We are a crucial link, connecting the spiritual realm of angels with the physical world of animals. This position grants us both reason and passion, intellect and instinct. However, Pope warns against trying to break from our designated link in the chain. Seeking to be more like gods or acting purely on animalistic impulse disrupts the divine order. Consequently, true happiness comes from accepting and perfecting our given place. Pope published this philosophical poem in heroic couplets between 1733 and 1734 .
Virtue as Humanity’s True Purpose
For Pope, virtue is the ultimate expression of human excellence. It is not about achieving godlike perfection. Instead, it involves living in harmony with our nature and our place in the universe. Reason, a gift from God, should guide our passions and actions. When we act with honesty, humility, and self-awareness, we fulfill our purpose within the Great Chain. This alignment with the natural order is the source of both personal and societal well-being. Pope saw vice as a form of cosmic rebellion—a failure to live according to the rational principles that govern creation.
He contends that our individual happiness is directly linked to the happiness of the whole. This idea, known as cosmic Toryism, suggests that self-love and social love are ultimately the same. By acting virtuously, we contribute to the overall harmony of the system. Therefore, a person who understands their role embraces their limitations and strengths. They do not lament that they cannot fly like an eagle or match the strength of a lion. Instead, they focus on cultivating human reason and morality. This acceptance is the foundation of a virtuous and fulfilling life.
Embracing Our Middle State
Pope famously describes humanity as the “glory, jest, and riddle of the world!” This line perfectly captures our dual nature. We are capable of profound intellectual achievement and astonishing acts of kindness. Yet, we are also prone to foolishness, pride, and destructive behavior. This inherent contradiction is not a flaw to be lamented but a condition to be understood. Our challenge is to navigate this middle state with wisdom and grace.
Ultimately, “An Essay on Man” delivers a message of profound humility and optimism. It calls on us to cease our complaints against Providence and to focus on what we can control: ourselves. By studying our own nature, we can learn to live more virtuously. We can accept our place in the grand design of the universe. In a world that often feels chaotic, Pope’s call for self-knowledge and rational acceptance remains a powerful and timeless guide. His work reminds us that the greatest journey of discovery begins from within.