--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When it shall be desired to enlighten…" description: "\"“When it shall be desired to enlighten man, let him always have truth laid before him. Instead of kindling his imagination by the idea of those pretend..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/089/baron-d-holbach-12885_enlightenment_when-it-shall-be-desired-to-enlighten-ma_649329.jpg" --- # When it shall be desired to enlighten man, let him always… ![“When it shall be desired to enlighten man, let him always have truth laid before him. Instead of kindling his imagination by the idea of those pretended goods that a future state has in reserve for him, let him be solaced, let him be succoured; or, at least, let him be permitted to enjoy the fruit…” quote by Baron d'Holbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/089/baron-d-holbach-12885_enlightenment_when-it-shall-be-desired-to-enlighten-ma_649329.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/089/baron-d-holbach-12885_enlightenment_when-it-shall-be-desired-to-enlighten-ma_649329.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/089/baron-d-holbach-12885_enlightenment_when-it-shall-be-desired-to-enlighten-ma_649329.jpg) > ““When it shall be desired to enlighten man, let him always have truth laid before him. Instead of kindling his imagination by the idea of those pretended goods that a future state has in reserve for him, let him be solaced, let him be succoured; or, at least, let him be permitted to enjoy the fruit of his labour; let not his substance be ravaged from him by cruel imposts; let him not be discouraged from work, by finding all his labour inadequate to support his existence, let him not be driven into that idleness that will surely lead him on to crime: let him consider his present existence, without carrying his views to that which may attend him after his death: let his industry be excited; let his talents be rewarded; let him be rendered active, laborious, beneficent, and virtuous, in the world he inhabits; let it be shown to him that his actions are capable of having an influence over his fellow men, but not on those imaginary beings located in an ideal world.”” [Baron d'Holbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/baron-d-holbach/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Truth and tangible reward should guide human effort, not false promises of future rewards, to prevent idleness and crime. **In simple terms:** Give people real benefits now, not empty future promises. Key Takeaway Reward present work, avoid false hopes. Themes work truth motivation justice productivity Mood reflective serious hopeful Type advice philosophical When to use this quote - employment policy - education reform - social welfare - criminal justice reform - personal development Key Concepts philosophy ethics human nature Questions to Reflect On - How can societies balance immediate incentives with long‑term goals? - What are the risks of over‑promising future benefits? A Different Perspective If immediate rewards are insufficient, people may still become discouraged. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Desired Enlighten](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/desired-enlighten-5197178/) [Enlighten Man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enlighten-man-5197177/) [Enlightenment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enlightenment/) [Ideal world](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ideal-world/) [Let Truth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/let-truth-252632/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Nature of man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nature-of-man/) [Shall Desired](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shall-desired-1158368/) [Truth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truth/) [Virtuous World](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/virtuous-world-5197179/) ## Related quotes > [“The godly shall desired God.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lailah-gifty-akita/the-godly-shall-desired-god/) [Lailah Gifty Akita](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lailah-gifty-akita/) > [In the light of eternity we shall see that what we desired would have been fatal to us, and that what we would have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/francois-fenelon/in-the-light-of-eternity-we-shall-see-that-what-we-desired-would-have/) [Francois Fenelon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/francois-fenelon/) > [“Let truth, beauty and love be your guide.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bryant-mcgill/let-truth-beauty-and-love-be-your-guide/) [Bryant McGill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bryant-mcgill/) > [The highest compact we can make with our fellow is - "Let there be truth between us two forevermore."](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ralph-waldo-emerson/the-highest-compact-we-can-make-with-our-fellow-is-let-there-be-truth/) [Ralph Waldo Emerson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ralph-waldo-emerson/) > [“Let the truth be told: There is no virtue anywhere. 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But…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/there-are-things-that-i-canna-tell-you-at-least-not-yet-and-i-ll-ask/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [“When it comes to bending the truth to assist a story’s plot versus staying completely true to the facts, we can assure you any…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-morcan/when-it-comes-to-bending-the-truth-to-assist-a-story-s-plot-versus/) [James Morcan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-morcan/) > [“Never let the truth stop you from getting what you want.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/felicia-day/never-let-the-truth-stop-you-from-getting-what-you-want/) [Felicia Day](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/felicia-day/) > [“Let the truth take care of itself, I decided. It's done all right on its own so far.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/russell-banks/let-the-truth-take-care-of-itself-i-decided-it-s-done-all-right-on/) [Russell Banks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/russell-banks/) > [In all debates, let truth be thy aim, not victory, or an unjust interest.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-penn/in-all-debates-let-truth-be-thy-aim-not-victory-or-an-unjust-interest/) [William Penn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-penn/) > [When honor and truth are at odds, let truth prevail.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jose-bernardo/when-honor-and-truth-are-at-odds-let-truth-prevail/) [Jose Bernardo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jose-bernardo/) > [“Let there be truth at last,/ Even if despair.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-hardy/let-there-be-truth-at-last-even-if-despair/) [Thomas Hardy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-hardy/) > [“If I could put back the pieces and make them right,I’d turn back the hands of time with all my might.You’d never think that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tina-reber/if-i-could-put-back-the-pieces-and-make-them-right-i-d-turn-back-the/) [Tina Reber](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tina-reber/) > [Dear children, lets not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-3-18/dear-children-lets-not-merely-say-that-we-love-each-other-let-us-show/) [John 3:18](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-3-18/) > [“There are things ye maybe canna tell me, he had said. I willna ask ye, or force ye. But when ye do tell me…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/there-are-things-ye-maybe-canna-tell-me-he-had-said-i-willna-ask-ye/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) ## More by Baron d'Holbach > [Many men without morals have attacked religion because it was contrary to their inclinations. Many wise men have despised it because it seemed to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/baron-d-holbach/many-men-without-morals-have-attacked-religion-because-it-was/) [Baron d'Holbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/baron-d-holbach/) > [In Nature nothing; is mean or contemptible, and it is only pride, originating in a false idea of our superiority, which causes our contempt…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/baron-d-holbach/in-nature-nothing-is-mean-or-contemptible-and-it-is-only-pride/) [Baron d'Holbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/baron-d-holbach/) > [God, we are told, is willing to render himself inconsistent and ridiculous, to confound the curiosity of those whom, we are at the same…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/baron-d-holbach/god-we-are-told-is-willing-to-render-himself-inconsistent-and/) [Baron d'Holbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/baron-d-holbach/) > [“. . . In all parts of our globe, fanatics have cut each other's throats, publicly burnt each other, committed without a scruple and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/baron-d-holbach/in-all-parts-of-our-globe-fanatics-have-cut-each-other-s-throats/) [Baron D'Holbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/baron-d-holbach/) > [“An atheist is a man who does not believe the existence of a God; now, no one can be certain of the existence of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/baron-d-holbach/an-atheist-is-a-man-who-does-not-believe-the-existence-of-a-god-now/) [Baron d'Holbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/baron-d-holbach/) > [The universe, that vast assemblage of every thing that exists, presents only matter and motion: the whole offers to our contemplation, nothing but an…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/baron-d-holbach/the-universe-that-vast-assemblage-of-every-thing-that-exists-presents/) [Baron d'Holbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/baron-d-holbach/) > [If we go back to the beginnings of things, we shall always find that ignorance and fear created the gods; that imagination, rapture and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/baron-d-holbach/if-we-go-back-to-the-beginnings-of-things-we-shall-always-find-that/) [Baron d'Holbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/baron-d-holbach/) > [Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is an absurd one. What is most repellent in the System of Nature - after the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/baron-d-holbach/doubt-is-not-a-pleasant-condition-but-certainty-is-an-absurd-one-what/) [Baron d'Holbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/baron-d-holbach/) > [“...if in the heat of the dispute he insists and asks, 'Am I not the master of throwing myself out of the window?' I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/baron-d-holbach/if-in-the-heat-of-the-dispute-he-insists-and-asks-am-i-not-the-master/) [Baron d'Holbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/baron-d-holbach/) > [The Jehovah of the Jews is a suspicious tyrant, who breathes nothing but blood, murder, and carnage, and who demands that they should nourish…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/baron-d-holbach/the-jehovah-of-the-jews-is-a-suspicious-tyrant-who-breathes-nothing/) [Baron d'Holbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/baron-d-holbach/) > [Men always fool themselves when they give up experience for systems born of the imagination. Man is the work of nature, he exists in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/baron-d-holbach/men-always-fool-themselves-when-they-give-up-experience-for-systems/) [Baron d'Holbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/baron-d-holbach/) > [If experience be consulted, it will be found there is no action, however abominable, that has not received the applause of some people. Parricide…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/baron-d-holbach/if-experience-be-consulted-it-will-be-found-there-is-no-action/) [Baron d'Holbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/baron-d-holbach/) > [All children are born Atheists; they have no idea of God.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/baron-d-holbach/all-children-are-born-atheists-they-have-no-idea-of-god/) [Baron d'Holbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/baron-d-holbach/) > [The source of man's unhappiness is his ignorance of Nature.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/baron-d-holbach/the-source-of-man-s-unhappiness-is-his-ignorance-of-nature/) [Baron d'Holbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/baron-d-holbach/) > [“All errour is prejudicial: it is by deceiving himself that man is plunged in misery. He neglected Nature; he understood not her laws; he…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/baron-d-holbach/all-errour-is-prejudicial-it-is-by-deceiving-himself-that-man-is/) [Baron d'Holbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/baron-d-holbach/) [Explore all 45 Baron d'Holbach quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/baron-d-holbach/) ## More Enlightenment quotes > [“Intelligence says think. Understanding says ponder. Insight says perceive. Enlightenment says overcome.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matshona-dhliwayo/intelligence-says-think-understanding-says-ponder-insight-says/) [Matshona Dhliwayo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matshona-dhliwayo/) > [An enlightened awareness is within each one of us, right at this moment. This enlightened awareness is truly unborn and marvellously illuminating; and everything…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bankei-yotaku/an-enlightened-awareness-is-within-each-one-of-us-right-at-this/) [Bankei Yotaku](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bankei-yotaku/) > [How wonderful it would be, I thought, if only we could practice the teachings of the Buddha as he really taught them from his…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dzogchen-ponlop-rinpoche/how-wonderful-it-would-be-i-thought-if-only-we-could-practice-the/) [Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dzogchen-ponlop-rinpoche/) > [Enlightenment is lightening up.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mike-myers/enlightenment-is-lightening-up/) [Mike Myers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mike-myers/) > [Nirvana is a word that means enlightenment, being beyond the illusion of birth and death, the illusion of pain, the illusion of love, the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/nirvana-is-a-word-that-means-enlightenment-being-beyond-the-illusion/) [Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/) > [“The extraction of discrete parts of Chöd teachings from their broader philosophical contexts is symptomatic of how Chöd has been incorporated into and transmitted…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michelle-sorensen/the-extraction-of-discrete-parts-of-ch-d-teachings-from-their-broader/) [Michelle Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michelle-sorensen/) > [“It is not so much about fighting against the ego; it is more about harmonizing with it.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/grace-sara/it-is-not-so-much-about-fighting-against-the-ego-it-is-more-about/) [Grace Sara](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/grace-sara/) > [One of his students asked Buddha, "Are you the Messiah?" "No," answered Buddha. "Then are you a healer?" "No," Buddha replied. "Then are you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gautama-buddha/one-of-his-students-asked-buddha-are-you-the-messiah-no-answered/) [Gautama Buddha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gautama-buddha/) > [“That's all there is, enlightenment on the end of a cock. It doesn't get any more Zen than that.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jaden-wilkes/that-s-all-there-is-enlightenment-on-the-end-of-a-cock-it-doesn-t-get/) [Jaden Wilkes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jaden-wilkes/) > [Aging is like enlightenment at gunpoint. Before I had cancer, I lived my life for my art. After I had cancer, I lived my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anna-halprin/aging-is-like-enlightenment-at-gunpoint-before-i-had-cancer-i-lived/) [Anna Halprin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anna-halprin/) > [Democracy must be built through open societies that share information. When there is information, there is enlightenment. When there is debate, there are solutions.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/atifete-jahjaga/democracy-must-be-built-through-open-societies-that-share-information/) [Atifete Jahjaga](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/atifete-jahjaga/) > [We need enlightenment, not just individually but collectively, to save the planet.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nhat-hanh/we-need-enlightenment-not-just-individually-but-collectively-to-save/) [Nhat Hanh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nhat-hanh/) > [I think enlightenment is something that you decide to do after you have met someone who is enlightened. Something touches your heart, your being…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/i-think-enlightenment-is-something-that-you-decide-to-do-after-you/) [Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/) > [For fear of causing terror to living beings, Mahamati, let the Bodhisattva who is disciplining himself to attain compassion, refrain from eating flesh.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gautama-buddha/for-fear-of-causing-terror-to-living-beings-mahamati-let-the/) [Gautama Buddha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gautama-buddha/) > [Don't worry. These poses have nothing to do with meditation or enlightenment.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dharma-mittra/don-t-worry-these-poses-have-nothing-to-do-with-meditation-or/) [Dharma Mittra](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dharma-mittra/) [Browse all 3,404 Enlightenment quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enlightenment/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“When it shall be desired to enlighten man, let him always have truth laid before him. 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