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Truth should be the first lesson of the child and the last…

“Truth should be the first lesson of the child and the last aspiration of manhood; for it has been well said that the inquiry of truth, which is the love-making of it, the knowledge of truth, which is the presence of it, and the belief of truth, which is the enjoying of it, is the sovereign good of…” quote by John Greenleaf Whittier
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“Truth should be the first lesson of the child and the last aspiration of manhood; for it has been well said that the inquiry of truth, which is the love-making of it, the knowledge of truth, which is the presence of it, and the belief of truth, which is the enjoying of it, is the sovereign good of human nature.”

John Greenleaf Whittier

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Elevates truth as the ultimate human good, describing its various aspects as essential to humanity.

In simple terms: Truth is humanity’s highest good.

Key Takeaway

Pursue truth in all aspects of life.

Themes

ethics philosophy human nature

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • education
  • personal development

Key Concepts

ontology moral theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you define truth?
  • What challenges truth-seeking?
A Different Perspective

Truth can be subjective and contested.

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