One unerring mark of the love of truth is not entertaining any proposition with greater assurance than the proofs it is built upon will warrant.
Interpretation
The love of truth compels one to believe only in propositions that are adequately supported by evidence.
John Locke emphasizes the importance of grounding beliefs in solid evidence. He suggests that a true appreciation for truth requires us to hold our beliefs to the standard of the evidence available, rather than adopting them with undue certainty. This reflects a philosophical approach to knowledge, where skepticism is balanced with an earnest pursuit of truth.
In practice
In a debate about climate change, one might say, 'As John Locke reminds us, we should only accept claims supported by reliable evidence.'
For where is the man that has incontestable evidence of the truth of all that he holds, or of the falsehood of all he condemns; or can say that he has examined to the bottom all his own, or other men's opinions? The necessity of believing without knowledge, nay often upon very slight grounds, in this fleeting state of action and blindness we are in, should make us more busy and careful to inform ourselves than constrain others.
There is frequently more to be learned from the unexpected questions of a child than the discourses of men.
Reading furnishes the mind only with materials of knowledge; it is thinking that makes what we read ours.
Our deeds disguise us. People need endless time to try on their deeds, until each knows the proper deeds for him to do. But every day, every hour, rushes by. There is no time.
New opinions are always suspected, and usually opposed, without any other reason but because they are not already common.
I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts.
Clearly I miss Him, having been brought up in religion. But now a man must be responsible to himself.
Some say that cats are devils, but they behave badly only when they are alone. When they are among us cats are angels.
So from then on, he looked at all his choices and said, What would a good person do, and then did it. But he has now learned something very important about human nature. If you spend your whole life pretending to be good, then you are indistinguishable from a good person. Relentless hypocrisy eventually becomes the truth.
A good farmer is nothing more nor less than a handy man with a sense of humus.
Who is also aware of the tremendous risk involved in faith - when he nevertheless makes the leap of faith - this [is] subjectivity ... at its height.
I am a drunkard from another kind of tavern. I dance to a silent tune. I am the symphony of stars.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.