Acquire a government over your ideas, that they may come down when they are called, and depart when they are bidden.
Isaac WattsRead
Though reading and conversation may furnish us with many ideas of men and things, yet it is our own meditation must form our judgment.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Judgment is formed through personal reflection rather than just external information.
This quote by Isaac Watts highlights the importance of personal introspection in forming one's judgments about the world. While reading and engaging in conversation provide numerous ideas and perspectives about people and situations, true understanding and evaluation come from our inner contemplation and meditation on these ideas. It's a reminder that information alone is not sufficient for making informed decisions; it requires personal insight and reflection.
Themes
JudgmentMeditationWisdomReflectionPersonal Growth
In practice
Example use cases
In a book club discussing the themes of self-awareness and insight.
More from Isaac Watts
All quotes →Instructors should not only be skilful in those sciences which they teach, but have skill in the method of teaching, and patience in the practice.
Isaac WattsRead
Acquaint yourself with your own ignorance.
Isaac WattsRead
To prevent and suppress rising resentment is wise and glorious, is manly and divine.
Isaac WattsRead
Kind words toward those you daily meet, Kind words and actions right, Will make this life of ours most sweet, Turn darkness into night.
Isaac WattsRead
Two sentiments alone suffice for man, were he to live the age of the rocks - love, and the contemplation of the Deity.
Isaac WattsRead
Similar quotes
Don’t worry about things. Don’t push. Just do your work and you’ll survive. The important thing is to have a ball, to be joyful, to be loving and to be explosive. Out of that comes everything and you grow.
Ray BradburyRead
If one does not know to which port one is sailing, no wind is favourable.
Seneca The YoungerRead
I hope that memory is valued - that we do not lose memory.
Studs TerkelRead
He who loses wealth loses much; he who loses a friend loses more; but he that loses his courage loses all.
Miguel De CervantesRead
I don't have the strength or wisdom to get through a single day without guidance and grace from God.
Tony DungyRead
You learn to know a pilot in a storm.
Seneca The YoungerRead