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 →Property 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
Discovering vocation does not mean scrambling toward some prize just beyond my reach but accepting the treasure of true self I already possess. Vocation does not come from a voice �out there� calling me to be something I am not. It comes from a voice �in here� calling me to be the person I was born to be, to fulfill the original selfhood given me at birth by God.
My grandmother always told me that regardless of what the world gives you, stay humble. Stay strong in your beliefs, and be honest. And when you're wrong, be a man and say you're wrong. And be strong when you're right.
Legend: A lie that has attained the dignity of age.
He who loses wealth loses much; he who loses a friend loses more; but he that loses his courage loses all.
You are one of the rare people who can separate your observation from your perception...you see what is, where most people see what they expect.
You, and you alone, get to determine whether you are going to react positively about something or negatively about something - or, interestingly, have no reaction at all. Your emotions are entirely under your control. Your feelings are what you want them to be.