Quotes from John Locke

Things of this world are in so constant a flux, that nothing remains long in the same state.

The thoughts that come often unsought, and, as it were, drop into the mind, are commonly the most valuable of any we have, and therefore should be secured, because they seldom return again.

I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts.

Anger is uneasiness or discomposure of the mind upon the receipt of any injury, with a present purpose of revenge

The improvement of understanding is for two ends: first, our own increase of knowledge; secondly, to enable us to deliver that knowledge to others.

It is of great use to the sailor to know the length of his line, though he cannot with it fathom all the depths of the ocean.

It is one thing to persuade, another to command; one thing to press with arguments, another with penalties.

That which is static and repetitive is boring. That which is dynamic and random is confusing. In between lies art.

Understanding like the eye; whilst it makes us see and perceive all things, takes no notice of itself; and it requires art and pains to set it at a distance and make it its own subject.

Set the mind to work, and apply the thoughts vigorously to the business, for it holds in the struggles of the mind, as in those of war, that to think we shall conquer is to conquer.

Affectation is an awkward and forced imitation of what should be genuine and easy, wanting the beauty that accompanies what is natural.

Our Business here is not to know all things, but those which concern our conduct.

I thought that I had no time for faith nor time to pray, then I saw an armless man saying his Rosary with his feet.

There cannot be greater rudeness than to interrupt another in the current of his discourse.

Fortitude is the guard and support of the other virtues.

The discipline of desire is the background of character.

Where there is no desire, there will be no industry.

The only fence against the world is a thorough knowledge of it.

Reading furnishes the mind only with materials of knowledge; it is thinking that makes what we read ours.

I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts.

New opinions are always suspected, and usually opposed, without any other reason but because they are not common.

The only defense against the world is a thorough knowledge of it.

We are like chameleons, we take our hue and the color of our moral character, from those who are around us.

Parents wonder why the streams are bitter, when they themselves poison the fountain.