"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"

Paul Elmer More's quote is an extensive reflection on the nature of human existence and knowledge. The opening phrase, "We are born knowing absolutely nothing", highlights the fundamental innocence and ignorance of humans at birth. In spite of this initial state, the human journey is characterized by the desire and effort to get knowledge, as suggested by "with much aiming we learn but a little". This declaration acknowledges the restrictions of human understanding in spite of considerable effort. It indicates that, no matter how hard we strive to discover and comprehend the world around us, our understanding remains minimal and insufficient.

The latter part of the quote shifts focus to the idea of doctrines or concepts that govern existence. When More speaks of being "bound by laws that hearken to no plea of lack of knowledge", he is most likely describing the objective and unyielding nature of natural laws, ethics, or destiny. These laws run individually of human understanding or awareness. The phrase underscores the inevitability of these guidelines; they generate effects regardless of human ignorance or intent.

The "benefits and penalties" discussed symbolize the outcomes or effects of actions within this structure of laws. The "calm indifference" with which these are portioned recommends an impersonal justice that runs without emotional bias or factor to consider of human ignorance. More suggests that deep space operates on concepts that do not alter irrespective of specific understanding or awareness, manifesting a deterministic outlook.

In essence, More's quote highlights the human condition as one of continuous learning, bound within a universe governed by immutable laws. This perspective can evoke a sense of humility in recognizing the limitations of human cognition and the unbiased nature of universal justice. It acts as a tip of the sustaining quest for knowledge amidst an ordered yet indifferent universes.