Godliness is more easily feigned in words than in actions
Jonathan EdwardsRead
True liberty consists only in the power of doing what we ought to will, and in not being constrained to do what we ought not to will.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True freedom is the ability to act according to our moral obligations without coercion.
In this quote, Jonathan Edwards posits that true liberty is defined not merely by the absence of restrictions, but by the presence of the capacity to make morally sound choices. It emphasizes the importance of aligning our actions with our true intentions and values, rather than succumbing to external pressures or desires that lead us away from what we know is right.
Themes
LibertyFreedomMoralityChoiceConstraint
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about personal ethics, one might reference this quote to highlight the importance of making righteous choices.
More from Jonathan Edwards
All quotes βResolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.
Jonathan EdwardsRead
So that it must be only by the imagination that Satan has access to the soul, to tempt and delude it, or suggest anything to it. And this seems to be the reason why persons that are under the disease of melancholy are commonly so visibly and remarkably subject to the suggestions and temptations of Satan... Innumerable are the ways by which the mind may be led on to all kind of evil thoughts, by the exciting of external ideas in the imagination.
Jonathan EdwardsRead
The deceitfulness of the heart of man appears in no one thing so much as this of spiritual pride and self-righteousness. The subtlety of Satan appears in its height, in his managing persons with respect to this sin. And perhaps one reason may be that here he has most experience; he knows the way of its coming in; he is acquainted with the secret springs of it: it was his own sin. Experience gives vast advantage in leading souls, either in good or evil.
Jonathan EdwardsRead
Grace is but glory begun, and glory is but grace perfected.
Jonathan EdwardsRead
True virtue never appears so lovely as when it is most oppressed; and the divine excellency of real Christianity is never exhibited with such advantage as when under the greatest trials; then it is that true faith appears much more precious than gold, and upon this account is "found to praise and honour and glory.
Jonathan EdwardsRead
Similar quotes
Those instrumental goods which should serve to maintain the life and health of all human beings should be produced by the least possible labour of all.
Albert EinsteinRead
Sorrow is tranquility remembered in emotion.
Dorothy ParkerRead
People who are lying are, understandably, more worried about being believed, so they work harder - too hard, as it were - at being believable.
Christopher VossRead
The man of character, sensitive to the meaning of what he is doing, will know how to discover the ethical paths in the maze of possible behavior.
Earl WarrenRead
I could go insane if I obsessed over every little detail of all of my companies. My management philosophy is to pay attention to the vital few and ignore the trivial many.
John Paul DejoriaRead
Objectivity is impossible and it is also undesirable. That is, if it were possible it would be undesirable, because if you have any kind of a social aim, if you think history should serve society in some way; should serve the progress of the human race; should serve justice in some way, then it requires that you make your selection on the basis of what you think will advance causes of humanity.
Howard ZinnRead