--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The true value of man is not determined…" description: "\"The true value of man is not determined by his possession, supposed or real, of Truth, but rather by his sincere exertion to get to the Truth. It is no..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cae/anonymous-1_always-and-forever_the-true-value-of-man-is-not-determined_1878413.jpg" --- # The true value of man is not determined by his possession… ![“The true value of man is not determined by his possession, supposed or real, of Truth, but rather by his sincere exertion to get to the Truth. It is not possession of Truth by which he extends his powers and in which his ever-growing perfectability is to be found. Possession makes one passive…” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cae/anonymous-1_always-and-forever_the-true-value-of-man-is-not-determined_1878413.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cae/anonymous-1_always-and-forever_the-true-value-of-man-is-not-determined_1878413.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cae/anonymous-1_always-and-forever_the-true-value-of-man-is-not-determined_1878413.jpg) > “The true value of man is not determined by his possession, supposed or real, of Truth, but rather by his sincere exertion to get to the Truth. It is not possession of Truth by which he extends his powers and in which his ever-growing perfectability is to be found. Possession makes one passive, indolent and proud. If God were to hold all Truth concealed in his right hand, and in his left only the steady and diligent drive for Truth, albeit with the proviso that I would always and forever err in the process, and to offer me the choice, I would with all humility take the left hand.” [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote argues that a person's worth comes from actively seeking truth, not from claiming to already have it; effort and humility matter more than possession. **In simple terms:** Worth is effort, not possession of truth. Key Takeaway Pursue truth actively, stay humble. Themes humility effort truth self‑improvement Mood reflective inspirational Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - academic research - personal growth - spiritual practice - leadership development Key Concepts philosophy epistemology ethics Questions to Reflect On - How do you balance confidence with humility in learning? - What practices keep you actively seeking truth? A Different Perspective Relying on claimed knowledge can lead to complacency and arrogance. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Always and forever](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/always-and-forever/) [Choices](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/choices/) [Determined](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/determined/) [Humility](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humility/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Possession](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/possession/) [Process](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/process/) [Proud](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/proud/) [Sincere](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sincere/) [True value](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/true-value/) [Values](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/values/) ## Related quotes > [“The true value of a man is not determined by his possession, supposed or real, of Truth, but rather by his sincere exertion to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-hitchens/the-true-value-of-a-man-is-not-determined-by-his-possession-supposed-3/) [Christopher Hitchens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-hitchens/) > [“The true value of a man is not determined by his possession, supposed or real, of Truth, but rather by his sincere exertion to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gotthold-ephraim-lessing/the-true-value-of-a-man-is-not-determined-by-his-possession-supposed-2/) [Gotthold Ephraim Lessing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gotthold-ephraim-lessing/) > [“The true value of a man is not determined b his possession, supposed or real, of Truth, but rather by his sincere exertion to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gotthold-lessing/the-true-value-of-a-man-is-not-determined-b-his-possession-supposed/) Gotthold Lessing > [“The true value of a man is not determined by his possession, supposed or real, of Truth, but rather by his sincere exertion to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gotthold-ephraim-lessing/the-true-value-of-a-man-is-not-determined-by-his-possession-supposed/) [Gotthold Ephraim Lessing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gotthold-ephraim-lessing/) > [To have the truth in your possession you can be found guilty, sentenced to death.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-tosh/to-have-the-truth-in-your-possession-you-can-be-found-guilty/) [Peter Tosh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-tosh/) > [When we believe ourselves in possession of the only truth, we are likely to be indifferent to common everyday truths.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eric-hoffer/when-we-believe-ourselves-in-possession-of-the-only-truth-we-are/) [Eric Hoffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eric-hoffer/) > [It is not the possession of truth, but the success which attends the seeking after it, that enriches the seeker and brings happiness to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/max-planck/it-is-not-the-possession-of-truth-but-the-success-which-attends-the/) [Max Planck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/max-planck/) > [It is one thing to show a man that he is in an error, and another to put him in possession of the truth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-locke/it-is-one-thing-to-show-a-man-that-he-is-in-an-error-and-another-to/) [John Locke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-locke/) > [Few things have done more harm than the belief on the part of individuals or groups (or tribes or states or nations or churches)…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/isaiah-berlin/few-things-have-done-more-harm-than-the-belief-on-the-part-of/) [Isaiah Berlin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/isaiah-berlin/) > [“I have spent a lifetime looking for remedies to all manner of life's problems -- personal, social, political, global. I am deeply suspicious of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/madeleine-albright/i-have-spent-a-lifetime-looking-for-remedies-to-all-manner-of-life-s/) [Madeleine Albright](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/madeleine-albright/) > [A man may be in as just possession of the truth as of a city, and yet be forced to surrender.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-browne/a-man-may-be-in-as-just-possession-of-the-truth-as-of-a-city-and-yet/) [Thomas Browne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-browne/) > [Apocalypse does not point to a fiery Armageddon but to the fact that our ignorance and our complacency are coming to an end… The…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-campbell/apocalypse-does-not-point-to-a-fiery-armageddon-but-to-the-fact-that/) [Joseph Campbell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-campbell/) > [“A man may be in as just possession of truth as of a City, and yet be forced to surrender it - this was…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-s-byatt/a-man-may-be-in-as-just-possession-of-truth-as-of-a-city-and-yet-be/) [A.S. Byatt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-s-byatt/) > [For a creative writer possession of the 'truth' is less important than emotional sincerity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-orwell/for-a-creative-writer-possession-of-the-truth-is-less-important-than/) [George Orwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-orwell/) > [We thought we left possession behind but truth is I was yours and you were mine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ani-difranco/we-thought-we-left-possession-behind-but-truth-is-i-was-yours-and-you/) [Ani Difranco](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ani-difranco/) ## More by Anonymous > [And a tear rolled down her cheek, as she said goodbye; because she's walking away, and she's never looking back](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/and-a-tear-rolled-down-her-cheek-as-she-said-goodbye-because-she-s/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Life is full of change. That's how we learn and grow.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/life-is-full-of-change-that-s-how-we-learn-and-grow/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [You'll seldom experience regret for anything that you've done. It is what you haven't done that will torment you. The message, therefore, is clear.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/you-ll-seldom-experience-regret-for-anything-that-you-ve-done-it-is/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Scrabble - The game is available in Braille. That’s a nice fact. This makes me feel better about humanity for some reason. I can’t…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/scrabble-the-game-is-available-in-braille-that-s-a-nice-fact-this/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Everyone needs someone to love, and I choose you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/everyone-needs-someone-to-love-and-i-choose-you/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“THIS tale of my sore-troubled life I write,    To thank the God of nature, who conveyed    My soul to me, and with such care…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/this-tale-of-my-sore-troubled-life-i-write-to-thank-the-god-of-nature/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Put on my J's and dance the whole night away Im naughty by nature like Im hip-hop hooray With my hands in the sky,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/put-on-my-j-s-and-dance-the-whole-night-away-im-naughty-by-nature/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Me.. I have been through a lot, but I still manage to have a smile on my face. Im not worried about the past…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/me-i-have-been-through-a-lot-but-i-still-manage-to-have-a-smile-on-my/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Distance is a test of love. many will fail for those who can't withstand it, but for those who can, theres only one answer…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/distance-is-a-test-of-love-many-will-fail-for-those-who-can-t/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Im sorry I ever tried...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/im-sorry-i-ever-tried/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Being betrayed by the one you love is the worst feeling in the world...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/being-betrayed-by-the-one-you-love-is-the-worst-feeling-in-the-world/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Let children support their parents or be imprisoned.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/let-children-support-their-parents-or-be-imprisoned/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The only person I've ever purposely caused pain here is myself...By simply sharing, caring too much.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-only-person-i-ve-ever-purposely-caused-pain-here-is-myself-by/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Start a business, not a startup”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/start-a-business-not-a-startup/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The truth is, of course, that the curtness of the Ten Commandments is an evidence, not of the gloom and narrowness of a religion,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-truth-is-of-course-that-the-curtness-of-the-ten-commandments-is/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) [Explore all 162,899 Anonymous quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## More Always and forever quotes > [“Nothing good happens after two a.m. Unless you happen to be a fan of watching people play flip cup for hours on end. Not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jenny-han/nothing-good-happens-after-two-a-m-unless-you-happen-to-be-a-fan-of/) [Jenny Han](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jenny-han/) > [I'll always be here," he said softly. "You can never fill my need, never drive me away, no matter how much you give me.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kim-harrison/i-ll-always-be-here-he-said-softly-you-can-never-fill-my-need-never/) [Kim Harrison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kim-harrison/) > [“I seen the look in your eyes...I reached out to touch you but feared I would mark your skin. I do not want just…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/faye-hall/i-seen-the-look-in-your-eyes-i-reached-out-to-touch-you-but-feared-i/) [Faye Hall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/faye-hall/) > [“Always and Forever was about a love bond so strong that it transcends physical limitations and worlds. Love survived death for both Katie and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annette-j-dunlea/always-and-forever-was-about-a-love-bond-so-strong-that-it-transcends/) [Annette J Dunlea](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annette-j-dunlea/) > [“His death took place on the same day, at the same time of the same month as Katie’s: Monday 12th November at 4am in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annette-j-dunlea/his-death-took-place-on-the-same-day-at-the-same-time-of-the-same/) [Annette J Dunlea](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annette-j-dunlea/) > [“Men loved her but she was the woman, all women loved to hate. She was Bridget Jones gone wrong. She knew the price of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annette-j-dunlea/men-loved-her-but-she-was-the-woman-all-women-loved-to-hate-she-was/) [Annette J Dunlea](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annette-j-dunlea/) > [“Imagine. Freedom. Always.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-rutherfurd/imagine-freedom-always/) [Edward Rutherfurd](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-rutherfurd/) > [If there is one thing I hope my books do always and forever, it's that they honor working people.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adriana-trigiani/if-there-is-one-thing-i-hope-my-books-do-always-and-forever-it-s-that/) [Adriana Trigiani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adriana-trigiani/) > [“You’re everything to me—you always have been, and you always will be. Always and forever.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michelle-madow/you-re-everything-to-me-you-always-have-been-and-you-always-will-be/) [Michelle Madow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michelle-madow/) > [Heaven is always and forever around us and no soul remembered is ever really gone.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mitch-albom/heaven-is-always-and-forever-around-us-and-no-soul-remembered-is-ever/) [Mitch Albom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mitch-albom/) > [“But then I think, no, I wouldn’t give up twelve, thirteen, sixteen, seventeen with Peter for the world.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jenny-han/but-then-i-think-no-i-wouldn-t-give-up-twelve-thirteen-sixteen/) [Jenny Han](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jenny-han/) > [“Katie was forced to do the midnight walk of shame in the pitch dark in all her finery with her high heels in her…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annette-j-dunlea/katie-was-forced-to-do-the-midnight-walk-of-shame-in-the-pitch-dark/) [Annette J Dunlea](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annette-j-dunlea/) > [“I love you today. I will love you tomorrow. I will love you always. Because when we are reborn, I will fall in love…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/faye-hall/i-love-you-today-i-will-love-you-tomorrow-i-will-love-you-always/) [Faye Hall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/faye-hall/) > [A book is a door, you know. Always and forever. A book is a door into another place and another heart and another world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/catherynne-m-valente/a-book-is-a-door-you-know-always-and-forever-a-book-is-a-door-into/) [Catherynne M. Valente](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/catherynne-m-valente/) > [“He had no fear for there was nothing to fear. He was going to a better place. Katie told him have no fear God…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annette-j-dunlea/he-had-no-fear-for-there-was-nothing-to-fear-he-was-going-to-a-better/) [Annette J Dunlea](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annette-j-dunlea/) [Browse all 49 Always and forever quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/always-and-forever/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "The true value of man is not determined by his possession, supposed or real, of Truth, but rather by his sincere exertion to get to the Truth. It is not possession of Truth by which he extends his powers and in which his ever-growing perfectability is to be found. Possession makes one passive, indolent and proud. 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