--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We are born with faculties and powers…" description: "\"We are born with faculties and powers capable almost of anything, such at least as would carry us farther than can easily be imagined: but it is only t..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1ea/john-locke-814_ability_we-are-born-with-faculties-and-powers-ca_2432840.jpg" --- # We are born with faculties and powers capable almost of… ![“We are born with faculties and powers capable almost of anything, such at least as would carry us farther than can easily be imagined: but it is only the exercise of those powers, which gives us ability and skill in any thing, and leads us towards perfection.” quote by John Locke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1ea/john-locke-814_ability_we-are-born-with-faculties-and-powers-ca_2432840.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1ea/john-locke-814_ability_we-are-born-with-faculties-and-powers-ca_2432840.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1ea/john-locke-814_ability_we-are-born-with-faculties-and-powers-ca_2432840.jpg) > “We are born with faculties and powers capable almost of anything, such at least as would carry us farther than can easily be imagined: but it is only the exercise of those powers, which gives us ability and skill in any thing, and leads us towards perfection.” [John Locke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-locke/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Locke argues that humans are born with innate potential, and through exercising these abilities we develop skill and move toward perfection. **In simple terms:** We have natural abilities that grow with use. Key Takeaway Cultivate and practice your innate talents. Themes philosophy self‑improvement potential Mood reflective inspirational Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - education - personal growth - career development - creative pursuits Key Concepts human nature skill development perfection Questions to Reflect On - What talents have you neglected? - How does practice shape your abilities? A Different Perspective Potential may be limited by external circumstances or lack of opportunity. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Ability](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ability/) [Exercise](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/exercise/) [Giving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/giving/) [Perfection](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/perfection/) [Skills](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/skills/) ## Related quotes > [I really believe that everyone has a talent, ability, or skill that he can mine to support himself and to succeed in life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dean-koontz/i-really-believe-that-everyone-has-a-talent-ability-or-skill-that-he/) [Dean Koontz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dean-koontz/) > [In a multipolar world, there must be more powers capable of taking responsibility, the US and Europe must be able to unite to achieve…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dominique-de-villepin/in-a-multipolar-world-there-must-be-more-powers-capable-of-taking-2/) [Dominique de Villepin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dominique-de-villepin/) > [In a multipolar world, there must be more powers capable of taking responsibility, the U.S. and Europe must be able to unite to achieve…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dominique-de-villepin/in-a-multipolar-world-there-must-be-more-powers-capable-of-taking/) [Dominique de Villepin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dominique-de-villepin/) > [We will by conscious command evolve cerebral centers which will permit us to use powers that we now are not even capable of imagining.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-tilney/we-will-by-conscious-command-evolve-cerebral-centers-which-will/) Frederick Tilney > [Our dreams are not only made of our abilities, but our will to succeed gives ability to our dreams.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/azwindini-mulaudzi/our-dreams-are-not-only-made-of-our-abilities-but-our-will-to-succeed/) Azwindini Mulaudzi > [Until you're broken, you don't know what you're made of. 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