Complaints Quote by John Locke
“Defects and weakness in men's understandings, as well as other faculties, come from want of a right use of their own minds; I am apt to think, the fault is generally mislaid upon nature, and there is often a complaint of want of parts, when the fault lies in want of a due improvement of them.”
About This Quote
Source Book: An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, 1690
Human flaws arise from misusing the mind rather than lacking parts; improvement comes from proper mental development.
In simple terms: Mistakes are due to poor thinking, not missing pieces.
Cultivate disciplined thinking.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- educational reform
- self‑assessment
- mental training
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we better train our minds?
- What habits hinder proper mental use?
Improving the mind requires effort and may be limited by entrenched habits.