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
Nothing does reason more right, than the coolness of those that offer it: For Truth often suffers more by the heat of its defenders, than from the arguments of its opposers.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Reason is better conveyed through calmness rather than passion, as heated arguments can distort truth.
This quote emphasizes that when discussing truth and reason, maintaining a calm and composed demeanor is crucial. Passionate defenders of truth can sometimes cloud the argument and create more confusion than their opponents, making it essential to approach discussions with a level-headed mindset to effectively communicate ideas.
Themes
ReasonTruthCalmnessArgumentDiscussion
In practice
Example use cases
During a heated debate at a conference on truth and reason.
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
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.
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.
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