The excerpt suggests that the tree in the Garden of Eden was actually a source of knowledge rather than just good and evil. This signifies that wisdom and understanding come with their complexities and potential dangers, highlighting the dual nature of knowledge as both beneficial and harmful.
The phrase indicates that while knowledge may possess a poisonous quality, it remains a treasured gift that individuals rarely choose to renounce. This reflects a common human inclination to seek knowledge and insight, even if it comes with challenges or moral dilemmas.