"Know then thyself, presume not God to scan; The proper study of mankind is man"

This quote by Alexander Pope is a suggestion to concentrate on understanding oneself before attempting to understand the divine. It is a call to humility, as Pope recommends that it is difficult to completely understand the functions of God. Instead, he motivates us to concentrate on comprehending ourselves and our fellow people. This is because, according to Pope, the correct study of humanity is male. He is recommending that we must aim to comprehend our own inspirations, sensations, and experiences, as well as those of others. This is the best method to get insight into the human condition and to establish empathy and understanding for our fellow male. By comprehending ourselves and others, we can get a much better understanding of the world around us and the divine.