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"A Little Learning Is a Dangerous Thing" - Alexander Pope

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"A little learning is a dangerous thing" - Alexander Pope

This statement could mean several things as different people can perceive it In different ways. Alexander pope had initially meant that learning is dangerous when it is incomplete. This quote is similar to another "I know just enough to be dangerous". Again this means in some areas you may need to take precautions to stay out of danger. The way I see It is some people will think they understand a subject fully, when in reality they only know an imperceptible amount. They will then use their minimal knowledge, perhaps developing an ongoing thirst for knowledge for themselves causing a calamitous effect waiting to happen.

An example to demonstrate this is Marie Curie's situation. Curie knew that she was in search for Radium and she knew how to isolate it however, she wasn’t aware of the consequences of working with radioactive substances for a long period of time. This eventually led to the disastrous effect of aplastic anemia. There weren't any safety measures during her time. Curie's incomplete knowledge of Radium had caused her to die.

There are numerous factors that determine whether or not learning is a dangerous thing. Perhaps a little knowledge may benefit some people. For example abecedarian knowledge of first aid is vital when you are in a situation with somebody who has an injured leg. You may not be trained professional but inherent knowledge could save a life. Another example is basic NHS leaflets. The NHS publish leaflets with simple information about a whole range of diseases. The main objective is to know the few symptoms of a life threatening condition. Once an individual (with no previous medical training) is aware of these symptoms they can then refer others to see their general practitioner. Therefore a little learning can be a good thing.

When your thirst for knowledge is ruining your daily life it is a key sign that indeed a little learning can be a dangerous thing. For example finding a message on your spouse's phone. You realise he is having an affair. This then will cause tension between you and your partner possibly resulting into a divorce. The divorce in this situation is the disastrous effect. Another example is when your friend has a headache. You offer him aspirin as it is a general thing to do. He has an allergic reaction to the medication and dies. The knowledge that was applied in that situation was 'little' and had caused a 'dangerous thing'

A little knowledge can either get you in danger or save you from it. Either way it is insufficient to our daily lives and the best way to go is to invest your time into studying with an open mind. By combining your passion for learning but remembering that you are only a beginner, surely you will then stay out of danger.

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