Acquire a government over your ideas, that they may come down when they are called, and depart when they are bidden.
Isaac WattsRead
Once a day, especially in the early years of life and study, call yourselves to an account what new ideas, what new proposition or truth you have gained, what further confirmation of known truths, and what advances you have made in any part of knowledge.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote encourages regular self-reflection on one's learning and understanding throughout life, especially in the formative years.
Isaac Watts emphasizes the importance of daily self-reflection on one's intellectual growth and discoveries. He suggests that especially during the early stages of life and education, individuals should assess what new ideas or truths they have learned, how their existing knowledge has been reinforced, and the progress they’ve made in their understanding of various subjects. This practice not only promotes continuous learning but also fosters a habit of accountability in one's intellectual journey.
Themes
Self-ReflectionEducationLearningKnowledgeGrowth
In practice
Example use cases
This quote would be perfect to open a seminar on lifelong learning.
More from Isaac Watts
All quotes →Instructors should not only be skilful in those sciences which they teach, but have skill in the method of teaching, and patience in the practice.
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Acquaint yourself with your own ignorance.
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To prevent and suppress rising resentment is wise and glorious, is manly and divine.
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Kind words toward those you daily meet, Kind words and actions right, Will make this life of ours most sweet, Turn darkness into night.
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Though reading and conversation may furnish us with many ideas of men and things, yet it is our own meditation must form our judgment.
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