This quote suggests that when our intelligence or understanding falls short, our pride often steps in to protect our ego. Wit, in this context, refers to mental sharpness or intellect, while ‘sense’ refers to reason or understanding. The ‘mighty void of sense’ implies a significant lack of understanding or knowledge. So, when we find ourselves lacking in knowledge or understanding, instead of admitting our ignorance, our pride often prompts us to pretend we know more than we do.

This is a commentary on human nature’s tendency to protect our self-image and avoid appearing ignorant or unintelligent. It’s a defense mechanism, where pride serves as a kind of shield, protecting us from the potential embarrassment or shame of not knowing something.

Applying this idea to today’s world, we can see this phenomenon manifest in various ways. For instance, in social or professional situations, people often feign knowledge or understanding rather than admitting they don’t know something. This is particularly prevalent in the age of social media, where there’s immense pressure to appear knowledgeable and informed.

In terms of personal development, this quote can serve as a reminder of the importance of humility and the willingness to admit when we don’t know something. Pretending to know something we don’t can lead to misinformation, misunderstanding, and missed opportunities for learning. Thus, instead of letting pride fill the ‘mighty void of sense,’ we should strive to fill that void with genuine knowledge and understanding.