I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active—not more happy—nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.

About Edgar Allan Poe

Edgar Allan Poe (January 19, 1809 – October 7, 1849) was an American writer, poet, editor, and literary critic who is best known for his poetry and short stories, particularly his tales involving mystery and the macabre. He is widely regarded as one of the central figures of Romanticism and...

More quotations from Edgar Allan Poe

I would define, in brief, the poetry of words as the rhythmical creation of Beauty.

—Edgar Allan Poe

Never to suffer would never to have been blessed.

—Edgar Allan Poe

suffering

When you know a thing, to hold that you know it; and when you do not know a thing, to allow that you do not know it—this is knowledge.

—Edgar Allan Poe

knowledge

Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.

—Edgar Allan Poe

escape dream night ln

History

5 Apr 2023 Added
26 Oct 2026 Wording changed

Previous wording

I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.