This excerpt from Alexander Pope's "An Essay on Criticism" critically examines the tendencies and pitfalls of literary critics, emphasizing a common flaw among them: the disproportionate focus on minor details to judge an entire work. Pope suggests that many critics become so enamored with art that serves their biases or ideologies, that they mistakenly allow one aspect or part of an artwork to define the work as a whole. This implies a lack of holistic understanding and a shortsighted approach when evaluating art or literature.

Moreover, the quote highlights a hypocrisy where critics claim to uphold sound principles but in reality, prioritize their preconceived notions or favorite ideas. This undermines the authenticity of their critiques and their objectivity, suggesting that critics might be more invested in defending their personal views than in providing balanced and fair analysis.

Finally, Pope points out the ultimate consequence of this behavior: the sacrifice of genuine insight and integrity to a "loved folly"—an irrational attachment or misguided obsession. This can be seen as a caution against allowing personal biases, rigid dogmas, or superficial criteria to cloud judgment. Pope urges critics (and readers) to aspire to a broader and more sincere appreciation of art that transcends petty fixations and recognizes the unity and complexity of the whole. This quote serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of measured, principled criticism and the danger of reductive thinking.