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
No man can reveal to you nothing but that which already lies half-asleep in the dawning of your knowledge.
They lie deadly that tell you have good faces.
The sacrifice which causes sorrow to the doer of the sacrifice is no sacrifice. Real sacrifice lightens the mind of the doer and gives him a sense of peace and joy. The Buddha gave up the pleasures of life because they had become painful to him.
Never did a great man hate good wine.
So I've seen life as one long learning process. And if I see - you know, if I fly on somebody else's airline and find the experience is not a pleasant one, which it wasn't in - 21 years ago, then I'd think, well, you know, maybe I can create the kind of airline that I'd like to fly on.
Acquire a government over your ideas, that they may come down when they are called, and depart when they are bidden.