Sense shines with a double luster when it is set in humility. An able yet humble man is a jewel worth a kingdom.
William PennRead
Man, being made reasonable, and so a thinking creature, there is nothing more worthy of his being than the right direction and employment of his thoughts; since upon this depends both his usefulness to the public, and his own present and future benefit in all respects.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of directing our thoughts wisely for personal and societal benefit.
William Penn's quote highlights the significance of using our rational thinking to contribute positively to society and to ourselves. He suggests that the way we direct our thoughts is fundamental not only to our usefulness in the world but also to our well-being and future success. By cultivating a thoughtful and intentional mindset, individuals can create better outcomes for themselves and the community at large.
Themes
ThoughtsWisdomReasonSocietyBenefit
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about the power of mindset.
More from William Penn
All quotes →Where thou art Obliged to speak, be sure speak the Truth: For Equivocation is half way to Lying, as Lying, the whole way to Hell.
William PennRead
Do good with what thou hast, or it will do thee no good.
William PennRead
To be a man's own fool is bad enough, but the vain man is everybody's.
William PennRead
Unless virtue guide us our choice must be wrong.
William PennRead
Patience and Diligence, like faith, remove mountains.
William PennRead
Similar quotes
The beginning is the promise of the end.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
There are three difficulties in authorship: to write anything worth publishing, to find honest men to publish it, and to find sensible men to read it.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
There are many accidents that are nothing but accidents-and forget it. But there are some that were brought about only because you are the person you are... you have the wherewithal, intelligence, and energy to recognize it and do something with it.
Helen FrankenthalerRead
One of the many lessons that one learns in prison is, that things are what they are and will be what they will be.
Oscar WildeRead
If you will just start with the idea that this is a hard world, it will all be much simpler.
Louis D. BrandeisRead
To boast of a performance which I cannot beat is merely stupid vanity. And if I can beat it that means there is nothing special about it. What has passed is already finished with. What I find more interesting is what is still to come.
Emil ZatopekRead