Skip to content

Compounds Quote by John Locke

“For those who either perceive but dully, or retain the ideas that come into their minds but ill, who cannot readily excite or compound them, will have little matter to think on.” quote by John Locke
Download Open image
“For those who either perceive but dully, or retain the ideas that come into their minds but ill, who cannot readily excite or compound them, will have little matter to think on.”

John Locke

About This Quote

Source Treatise: An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, 1690

People who only vaguely perceive ideas or hold them poorly cannot develop deep thoughts.

In simple terms: Shallow or unclear ideas limit thinking.

Key Takeaway

Clarify and deepen your ideas.

Themes

cognition clarity intellectual growth

Mood

inquisitive reflective

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • studying philosophy
  • creative brainstorming
  • critical analysis

Key Concepts

epistemology mental discipline

Questions to Reflect On

  • What habits help sharpen your mental concepts?
  • How do you turn vague thoughts into concrete insights?
A Different Perspective

Ideas must be well‑formed to be useful.

3.7 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by John Locke

Explore all 355 John Locke quotes

More Compounds quotes

Browse all 299 Compounds quotes