It is as absurd to argue men, as to torture them, into believing.
John Henry NewmanRead
Let us take things as we find them: let us not attempt to distort them into what they are not... We cannot make facts. All our wishing cannot change them. We must use them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Accept reality as it is rather than trying to alter it to fit our desires.
This quote emphasizes the importance of recognizing and accepting the facts of any situation without trying to manipulate them. John Henry Newman conveys that no amount of wishing can alter reality; instead, we should learn to use the facts as they are to navigate life effectively.
Themes
RealityAcceptanceFactsTruthWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about embracing challenges, this quote could illustrate the importance of facing reality.
More from John Henry Newman
All quotes βA cloud of incense was rising on high; the people suddenly all bowed low; what could it mean? The truth flashed on him, fearfully yet sweetly; it was the Blessed Sacrament - it was the Lord Incarnate who was on the altar, who had come to visit and bless his people. It was the Great Presence, which makes a Catholic Church different from every other place in the world; which makes it, as no other place can be - holy.
John Henry NewmanRead
It is seldom we have the heart to throw ourselves, if I may so speak, on the Divine Arm; we dare not trust ourselves on the waters, though Christ bids us. We have not St. Peter's love to ask leave to come to him upon the sea. When we once are filled with that heavenly charity, we can do all things, because we attempt all things - for to attempt is to do.
John Henry NewmanRead
Now what is it moves our very hearts, and sickens us so much at cruelty shown to poor brutes? I suppose this first, that they have done no harm; next, that they have no power whatever of resistance; it is the cowardice and tyranny of which they are the victims which makes their sufferings so especially touching.
John Henry NewmanRead
A science is not mere knowledge, it is knowledge which has undergone a process of intellectual digestion. It is the grasp of many things brought together in one, and hence is its power; for, properly speaking, it is Science that is power, not Knowledge.
John Henry NewmanRead
Evil has no substance of its own, but is only the defect, excess, perversion, or corruption of that which has substance.
John Henry NewmanRead
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