Meaning: The quote "We are born knowing nothing and with much striving we learn but a little; yet all the while we are bound by laws that hearken to no plea of ignorance, and measure out their rewards and punishments with calm indifference" by Paul Elmer More, a prominent American critic and essayist, reflects on the human condition and the limitations of knowledge and understanding in the face of immutable laws and consequences.

At its core, the quote speaks to the inherent limitations of human knowledge and understanding. It acknowledges that despite our efforts to learn and grow, our acquisition of knowledge is ultimately limited. From the moment of birth, humans enter the world as blank slates, devoid of knowledge or understanding. As we progress through life, we expend great effort in acquiring knowledge, yet our capacity for learning is finite. This acknowledgment of the limitations of human knowledge and understanding serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent constraints of the human condition.

Moreover, the quote alludes to the existence of immutable laws that govern the universe and human existence. These laws, whether physical, moral, or metaphysical, operate with impartiality and indifference to human ignorance or understanding. They are indifferent to our struggles and limited knowledge, and they mete out rewards and punishments with a detached and unyielding demeanor. This portrayal of the laws as indifferent and unyielding underscores the idea that human understanding and efforts are inconsequential in the face of these overarching and unchanging principles.

From a philosophical standpoint, the quote can be interpreted as a commentary on the nature of human existence and the human quest for knowledge and understanding. It captures the tension between human striving and the ultimate limitations of knowledge, as well as the sobering realization that human existence is governed by forces beyond our comprehension or control.

In a broader sense, the quote can also be seen as a reflection on the human condition and the paradoxical nature of our existence. Despite our earnest efforts to understand the world around us, we are ultimately confronted with the realization that our understanding is limited and that there are forces at play that operate beyond our grasp.

Paul Elmer More, the author of the quote, was a prominent figure in American literary and intellectual circles during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As a critic and essayist, More was known for his keen intellect and incisive commentary on a wide range of philosophical and literary topics. His writings often delved into questions of human nature, morality, and the pursuit of knowledge, making his work a fitting source for a quote that reflects on the limitations of human understanding and the presence of immutable laws.

In conclusion, the quote by Paul Elmer More encapsulates the inherent limitations of human knowledge and understanding, as well as the presence of unyielding laws that govern human existence. It serves as a poignant reminder of the constraints of the human condition and the sobering realization that our striving for knowledge is ultimately limited in the face of indifferent and immutable forces.