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John Locke Quotes

38 Thought-Provoking Quotes By John Locke, The Father Of Liberalism

Famous As: English Philosopher and Physician, Popularly Known as the ‘Father of Liberalism’

Born On: 1632

Died On: 1704

Born In: Wrington, Somerset, England

Died At Age: 72

John Locke, also known as the “Father of Liberalism”, was an English physician and philosopher. In the Age of Enlightenment, he held the reputation of being one of most influential and prominent thinkers. He was the prime mover in the development of political philosophy and Epistemology, the branch of science dealing with the theory of knowledge. His work influenced several prodigies such as Jean-Jacque Rousseau and Voltaire. His theories have been inculcated in the United States Declaration of Independence. Locke’s theories have been described in detail in his novels ‘Two Treatises of Government’, ‘An Essay Concerning Human Understanding’ and ‘Some Thoughts Concerning Education’; apart from the other posthumous manuscripts. He was an ardent believer of the fact that education is the beginning of the journey of a gentleman but reading and company must finish him. His philosophy and theories are reflected in his work and over centuries have been quoted extensively. Zoom through some famous sayings, thoughts and quotes by John Locke on on thinking, actions, knowledge, interpretations, reading, truth, humor, equality, defense, liberty, independence, courage, money, philosophy, life and belief.

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Reading furnishes the mind only with materials of knowledge; it is thinking that makes what we read ours.

Reading furnishes the mind only with materials of knowledge; it is thinking that makes what we read ours.
John Locke

I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts.

I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts.
I
John Locke

New opinions are always suspected, and usually opposed, without any other reason but because they are not common.

New opinions are always suspected, and usually opposed, without any other reason but because they are not common.
John Locke

The only defense against the world is a thorough knowledge of it.

The only defense against the world is a thorough knowledge of it.
John Locke

We are like chameleons, we take our hue and the color of our moral character, from those who are around us.

We are like chameleons, we take our hue and the color of our moral character, from those who are around us.
Like Character
John Locke

To love truth for truth's sake is the principal part of human perfection in this world, and the seed-plot of all other virtues.

To love truth for truth's sake is the principal part of human perfection in this world, and the seed-plot of all other virtues.
Love
John Locke

Education begins the gentleman, but reading, good company and reflection must finish him.

Education begins the gentleman, but reading, good company and reflection must finish him.
John Locke

Parents wonder why the streams are bitter, when they themselves poison the fountain.

Parents wonder why the streams are bitter, when they themselves poison the fountain.
John Locke

Revolt is the right of the people
John Locke

Being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions.

Being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions.
Life
John Locke

No man's knowledge here can go beyond his experience.

No man's knowledge here can go beyond his experience.
Experience
John Locke

How long have you been holding those words in your head, hoping to use them?

How long have you been holding those words in your head, hoping to use them?
You
John Locke

There is frequently more to be learned from the unexpected questions of a child than the discourses of men.

There is frequently more to be learned from the unexpected questions of a child than the discourses of men.
John Locke

Success in fighting means not coming at your opponent the way he wants to fight you.

Success in fighting means not coming at your opponent the way he wants to fight you.
You
John Locke

To prejudge other men's notions before we have looked into them is not to show their darkness but to put out our own eyes.

To prejudge other men's notions before we have looked into them is not to show their darkness but to put out our own eyes.
John Locke

Our Business here is not to know all things, but those which concern our conduct.

Our Business here is not to know all things, but those which concern our conduct.
Business
John Locke

All wealth is the product of labor.
John Locke

What worries you, masters you.
You
John Locke

Reverie is when ideas float in our mind without reflection or regard of the understanding.

Reverie is when ideas float in our mind without reflection or regard of the understanding.
John Locke

One unerring mark of the love of truth is not entertaining any proposition with greater assurance than the proofs it is built upon will warrant.

One unerring mark of the love of truth is not entertaining any proposition with greater assurance than the proofs it is built upon will warrant.
Love Will
John Locke

Fortitude is the guard and support of the other virtues.

Fortitude is the guard and support of the other virtues.
John Locke

New opinions are always suspected, and usually opposed, without any other reason but because they are not already common.

New opinions are always suspected, and usually opposed, without any other reason but because they are not already common.
John Locke

In transgressing the law of nature, the offender declares himself to live by another rule than that of reason and common equity

In transgressing the law of nature, the offender declares himself to live by another rule than that of reason and common equity" Ch.2, 8
Nature
John Locke

I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and let it out completely, along with my soul.

I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and let it out completely, along with my soul.
Soul I
John Locke

Nothing is in the intellect that was not first in the senses.

Nothing is in the intellect that was not first in the senses.
John Locke

Men being, as has been said, by nature, all free, equal and independent, no one can be put out of this estate, and subjected to the political power of another, without his own consent.

Men being, as has been said, by nature, all free, equal and independent, no one can be put out of this estate, and subjected to the political power of another, without his own consent.
Nature Power
John Locke

Few men think, yet all will have opinions. Hence men’s opinions are superficial and confused.

Few men think, yet all will have opinions. Hence men’s opinions are superficial and confused.
Think Will
John Locke

Business of man is to be happy,
Business
John Locke

The only fence against the world is a thorough knowledge of it.

The only fence against the world is a thorough knowledge of it.
John Locke

[M]an is not permitted without censure to follow his own thoughts in the search of truth, when they lead him ever so little out of the common road.

[M]an is not permitted without censure to follow his own thoughts in the search of truth, when they lead him ever so little out of the common road.
John Locke