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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.
Isaac Watts
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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.

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Acquire a government over your ideas, that they may come down when they are called, and depart when they are bidden.
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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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