Philosophy quotes — page 8

To establish the mind for Heaven and Earth; to secure the destiny of the people; to continue the interrupted learning of the past sages; to open peace for all ages.

I ask the channel how it can be so clear — because fresh water keeps flowing from its source.

Knowledge is the directing idea of action; action is the effort of knowledge. Knowledge is the beginning of action; action is the completion of knowledge.

There has never been one who truly knows and yet does not act. If one knows but does not act, that is simply not yet knowing.

Extend the innate good knowing.

Those who in ancient or modern times achieved great enterprises and profound learning must pass through three realms: first, standing alone atop a high tower after the west wind withers the green trees, gazing to the end of the road at heaven's edge; second, the belt growing looser without regret, wasting away for the beloved; third, searching a thousand times in the crowd, then suddenly turning — and finding that person standing where the lanterns grow sparse.

The two sayings I have found most useful in life are these: responsibility, and delight.… What I speak of today as respect for one's work is responsibility; delight in one's work is interest. I deeply believe that a reasonable human life should be like this.

Every occupation has its interest — if only you keep at it, interest will naturally arise.

Boldly hypothesize; carefully verify.

Study problems, import theories, reorganize the national heritage, and recreate civilization.

Human life is life with awareness and understanding — or with a higher degree of such awareness. This is what distinguishes humans from beasts, and human life from the life of other animals.

The meaning of human life lies in creation.

Of all things the measure is man.

Withdraw into yourself and look.

Grace does not destroy nature, but perfects it.

For knowledge itself is power.

Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man.

Whence has it all the materials of reason and knowledge? To this I answer, in one word, from experience.

Their being is to be perceived.

Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions, and can never pretend to any other office than to serve and obey them.

the best of all possible worlds

The owl of Minerva spreads its wings only with the falling of the dusk.

It is the greatest happiness of the greatest number that is the measure of right and wrong.

The true is precisely what is made.