Skip to content

The picture of a shadow is a positive thing.

“The picture of a shadow is a positive thing.” quote by John Locke
Download Open image
“The picture of a shadow is a positive thing.”

John Locke

About This Quote

Source Essay: An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, 1690

Seeing a shadow as a positive image suggests that even vague or indirect perceptions can hold value

In simple terms: Shadows can be valuable representations

Key Takeaway

Find worth in indirect or partial information

Themes

perception knowledge interpretation

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • art criticism
  • scientific modeling
  • philosophical debate
  • psychological analysis

Key Concepts

ideas mental representations abstract thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does a shadow reveal about the unseen?
  • When can indirect evidence be trusted?
A Different Perspective

Shadows may mislead as well as inform

4.5 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by John Locke

Explore all 355 John Locke quotes

More Picture quotes

Browse all 2,080 Picture quotes