A little learning is a dangerous thing

The title is a well known quotation from Alexander Pope.

I have known and used a modified version of the quotation, "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing" for many years, but only recently looked up the origins of the quote. Set in its context, the quotation is more instructive:

A little learning is a dangerous thing;
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:
There shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely sobers us again. 

The single line has always sounded akin to an admonishment to me, but in its fuller form comes across as sagely advice.

A short article explains the etymology of the quote.