Army Quote by John Locke
“Every Man being conscious to himself, That he thinks, and that which his Mind is employ'd about whilst thinking, being the Ideas, that are there, 'tis past doubt, that Men have in their Minds several Ideas, such as are those expressed by the words, Whiteness, Hardness, Sweetness, Thinking, Motion, Man, Elephant, Army, Drunkenness, and others: It is in the first place then to be inquired, How he comes by them? I know it is a received Doctrine, That Men have native Ideas, and original Characters stamped upon their Minds, in their very first Being.”
About This Quote
Source Book: An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, 1690
Locke argues that the mind contains innate ideas that shape our perception of concepts like color, hardness, and motion, suggesting these ideas are not learned but inherent.
In simple terms: The mind has built‑in ideas that shape how we understand the world.
Key Takeaway
Recognize innate concepts influencing thought.
Themes
philosophy
epistemology
mind
ideas
perception
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- education
- psychology
- critical thinking
- self‑reflection
Key Concepts
innate ideas
mental representation
concept formation
Questions to Reflect On
- Are any ideas truly innate?
- How do language and culture shape these concepts?
A Different Perspective
This view may overlook cultural learning and language influence.
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