Character Quote by John Locke
“To love truth for truth's sake is the principal part of human perfection in this world, and the seed-plot of all other virtues.”
About This Quote
Source Book: An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, 1690
Locke argues that valuing truth for its own sake is essential to human virtue and the foundation of all other moral qualities.
In simple terms: Truth for truth's sake builds virtue.
Key Takeaway
Seek truth without ulterior motives.
Themes
ethics
truth
virtue
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- journalism
- education
- public discourse
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
intellectual honesty
Questions to Reflect On
- What motivates you to value truth?
- How does truth underpin other virtues?
A Different Perspective
Pursuing truth can be socially costly.
![“[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)
