Final answer:
The phrase 'A little knowledge is a dangerous thing' is attributed to Alexander Pope, indicating the perils of superficial understanding and advocating for a deeper pursuit of knowledge.
Step-by-step explanation:
The quote 'A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Drink deep!' comes from the poem 'An Essay on Criticism' by Alexander Pope. This phrase suggests that a small amount of knowledge can lead to overconfidence and that one should seek deeper understanding. The various literature excerpts provided feature the theme of drinking and its different connotations, from the joys of a drink in friendly company, the deceitful use of alcohol by slaveholders, to the notion that all things, including potentially harmful substances, can indeed have their place in moderation as reflected in the phrase 'the dose makes the poison.'