Intellectual Limitations by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem explores the idea that intellectual pursuits can be a hindrance to emotional and spiritual growth. It suggests that overemphasis on knowledge and reason can lead to a lack of connection with one's own emotions and the world around them. The speaker argues that true wisdom lies in embracing simplicity and intuition, rather than relying solely on intellectual understanding.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1878 · Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature, Humor · 172 words
First lines
Parunts knows lots more than us, / But they don't know _all_ things, -- / 'Cause we ketch 'em, lots o' times, / Even on little small things.
One time Winnie ask' her Ma, / At the winder, sewin', / What's the wind a-doin' when / It's a-not a-_blowin_'?
Yes, an' 'Del', that very day, / When we're nearly froze out, / He ask' Uncle _where_ it goes / When the fire goes out?
Nen _I_ run to ask my Pa, / That way, somepin' funny; / But I can't say ist but "Say,"
What this Textopian page supports
Intellectual Limitations is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1878 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1878 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Children's Literature, Humor, Family, Philosophical
- Length: 172 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
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- Work identity for Intellectual Limitations by James Whitcomb Riley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
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Similar titles
- On Thought In Harness by Edna St Vincent Millay
- Mankind by David Park Barnitz
- Why by James Whitcomb Riley
- Lines On Reading Frank J Wilstachs by Franklin P. Adams
- The Perverseness Of Words by Egerton Castle
- The True Knowledge by Oscar Wilde
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Children's Literature — The themes and language are simple and childlike, appealing to a younger audience.
- Humor — The playful questioning and innocent misunderstandings provide a humorous tone.
- Family — The interactions and questions revolve around family members, highlighting familial relationships.
Tags
Philosophy · Criticism · Intellectualism · Limitations · Cognitive · Psychology · Sociology · Epistemology · Knowledge · Understanding · Reasoning · Critical Thinking