Pride defeats its own end, by bringing the man who seeks esteem and reverence into contempt.
Henry BolingbrokeRead
The shortest and surest way of arriving at real knowledge is to unlearn the lessons we have been taught, to mount the first principles, and take nobody's word about them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Real knowledge comes from questioning and unlearning accepted lessons.
This quote emphasizes that true understanding and wisdom often require us to let go of preconceived notions and beliefs that we have been taught, and to focus on fundamental principles. By relying on our own discernment rather than accepting information at face value, we can achieve a deeper and more authentic grasp of knowledge.
Themes
KnowledgeUnlearnWisdomPrinciplesEducation
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on philosophy, one might use this quote to encourage students to think critically about what they've been taught.
More from Henry Bolingbroke
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Christians have forgotten that the ministry of listening has been committed to them by Him who is Himself the great listener and whose work they should share. We should listen with the ears of God that we may speak the Word of God.
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I never did anything I'm really ashamed of.
Lauryn HillRead
I think there's a lot of pressure on young people to really be the thing that everyone is telling them that they are, opposed to discovering it for themselves.
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. . . if gold rust, what then will iron do?/ For if a priest be foul in whom we trust/ No wonder that a common man should rust. . . .
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Man always travels along precipices... His truest obligation is to keep his balance.
Pope John Paul IiRead
Because men have a history, it is difficult for them to imagine what it is like to grow up without one, or the sense of personal expansion that comes from discovering that we women have a worthy heritage. Along with pride often comes rage β rage that one has been deprived of such a significant knowledge.
Judy ChicagoRead