Meaning: The quote "Grace is given of God, but knowledge is bought in the market" by the British poet Arthur Clough encapsulates a profound observation about the nature of grace and knowledge. Clough suggests that while grace, often associated with divine favor or blessing, is bestowed upon individuals as a gift from a higher power, knowledge is something that is acquired through effort, experience, and often through the exchange of goods and services in the marketplace.

The notion of grace being given by God aligns with various religious and spiritual beliefs that emphasize the concept of divine benevolence and unmerited favor. In Christian theology, for example, grace is understood as the unearned and unmerited favor of God toward humankind, often seen as a form of spiritual empowerment or blessing. Clough's use of the term "given of God" reflects this traditional understanding of grace as a gift from a higher spiritual authority, independent of human effort or merit.

On the other hand, the idea that knowledge is bought in the market highlights the practical and sometimes commercial aspect of acquiring knowledge. Knowledge, in this context, can be interpreted broadly to encompass not only formal education and academic learning, but also the acquisition of practical skills, expertise, and worldly wisdom. The metaphor of "buying in the market" suggests that knowledge is something that can be obtained through exchange, trade, or investment, implying that it often requires effort, resources, and sometimes sacrifice.

Clough's juxtaposition of grace and knowledge in this quote raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of human endeavor, spirituality, and the pursuit of wisdom. By contrasting the bestowed nature of grace with the acquired nature of knowledge, Clough prompts contemplation on the different ways in which individuals may experience and attain meaningful aspects of life.

From a philosophical perspective, the quote can be seen as touching upon the age-old debate between nature and nurture, or innate abilities versus learned skills. While grace may be seen as a representation of inherent gifts or talents, knowledge symbolizes the cultivated, acquired, and honed aspects of human development. This duality presents an intriguing exploration of the interplay between inherent potential and the efforts required to actualize that potential.

Moreover, the quote also invites reflection on the relationship between the spiritual and the material realms. The notion of grace as a divine bestowal contrasts with the more earthly and tangible concept of knowledge being bought in the market. This juxtaposition raises questions about the intersection of the spiritual and the temporal, as well as the ways in which individuals navigate their quests for both spiritual fulfillment and practical understanding in the context of their daily lives.

In conclusion, Arthur Clough's quote "Grace is given of God, but knowledge is bought in the market" encapsulates a rich and thought-provoking exploration of the dichotomies between divine bestowal and human effort, spiritual grace and worldly acquisition, and innate gifts and acquired wisdom. It prompts contemplation on the sources and nature of meaningful aspects of life, and invites individuals to consider the complex interplay between the spiritual and the material dimensions of human existence.