The true secret of giving advice is, after you have honestly given it, to be perfectly indifferent whether it is taken or not, and never persist in trying to set people right.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
The philosophy of one century is the common sense of the next.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Philosophical ideas evolve and shape the common understanding of future generations.
This quote by Henry Ward Beecher highlights the notion that the philosophical thoughts and theories that may seem radical or unconventional in one era can become the widely accepted norms or common sense in the next. As society progresses, ideas are reevaluated and reinterpreted, eventually becoming integrated into everyday understanding and values.
Themes
PhilosophyCommon SenseIdeasGenerationEvolution
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on social progress, one might use this quote to emphasize how our current values have been shaped by past philosophies.
More from Henry Ward Beecher
All quotes βA man who cannot get angry is like a stream that cannot overflow, that is always turbid. Sometimes indignation is as good as a thunderstorm in summer, clearing and cooling the air.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
No one can deal with the hearts of men unless he has the sympathy which is given by love.
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We are always on the anvil; by trials God is shaping us for higher things.
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No man can tell if he is rich or poor by turning to his ledger. It is the heart that makes a man rich. He is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
There are joys which long to be ours. God sends ten thousands truths, which come about us like birds seeking inlet; but we are shut up to them, and so they bring us nothing, but sit and sing awhile upon the roof, and then fly away.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
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