Art Quote by John Locke
““The understanding, like the eye, whilst it makes us see and perceive all other things, takes no notice of itself: and it requires art and pains to set it at a distance and make it its own object… If by this inquiry into the nature of the understanding, I can discover the powers thereof; how far they reach; to what things they are in any degree proportionate; and where they fail us, I suppose it may be of use to prevail with the busy mind of man to be more cautious in meddling with things exceeding its comprehension; to stop when it is at the utmost extent of its tether; and to sit down in a quiet ignorance of those things which, upon examination, are found to be beyond the reach of our capacities.””
About This Quote
Source Book: An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, 1690
The mind must recognize its limits and avoid overreaching beyond what it can truly grasp.
In simple terms: Know your mental limits.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and respect intellectual boundaries.
Themes
humility
self‑awareness
knowledge limits
Mood
thoughtful
cautious
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- academic research
- personal decision‑making
- ethical debates
- scientific inquiry
Key Concepts
Epistemology
metacognition
cognitive humility
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you identify when you’re exceeding your understanding?
- What practices help maintain intellectual humility?
A Different Perspective
Human cognition often overestimates its capacity, leading to error.
![“[M]an is not permitted without censure to follow his own thoughts in the search of truth, when they lead him ever so little out of the common road.” quote by John Locke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9bd/john-locke-814_censorship_m-an-is-not-permitted-without-censure-to_60175.jpg)
