Admire and adore the Author of the telescopic universe, love and esteem the work, do all in your power to lessen ill, and increase good, but never assume to comprehend.
Let the human mind loose. It must be loose. It will be loose. Superstition and dogmatism cannot confine it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of free thought and creativity, suggesting that the human mind cannot be held back by rigid beliefs or superstitions.
John Adams' quote advocates for the liberation of the human mind, stressing that it is inherently free and will ultimately break free from the constraints of superstition and dogmatism. Adams highlights the necessity of allowing thoughts to flow freely, as true understanding and innovation thrive in an environment that encourages questioning and exploration rather than strict adherence to unchallenged beliefs.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a seminar on creativity in science, one might quote John Adams to inspire participants to think outside the box.
More from John Adams
All quotes βProperty monopolized or in the possession of a few is a curse to mankind.
Let us dare to read, think, speak and write.
There are two ways to conquer and enslave a country. One is by the sword. The other is by debt.
Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.
The furnace of affliction produces refinement, in states as well as individuals.
Similar quotes
There's a big confusion in this country over what we want versus what we need," Morrie said. "You need food, you want a chocolate sundae. You have to be honest with yourself. You don't need the latest sports car, you don't need the biggest house. The truth is, you don't get satisfaction from those things. You know what really gives you satisfaction?...Offering others what you have to give...I don't mean money, Mitch. I mean your time. Your concern. Your storytelling. It's not so hard.
Whenever you meditate, there are glimpses. Then the mind comes in and says, 'Be happy! Look, I have done it.' And immediately the contact is lost.
People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered. Love them anyway.... Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway.... What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway. .. Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you've got anyway.
Modesty is the graceful, calm virtue of maturity; bashfulness the charm of vivacious youth.
Something I try to instill in others is to just be a good person. It's a decision you make a million times a day. But if you just keep trying, good stuff comes to you in an ordained way.
There's always failure. And there's always disappointment. And there's always loss. But the secret is learning from the loss, and realizing that none of those holes are vacuums.