--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: On July 30, 1723, when he was nineteen…" description: "\"“On July 30, 1723, when he was nineteen years old, Edwards wrote in his diary, “I have concluded to endeavor to work myself into duties by searching an..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/829/john-piper-255_human-heart_on-july-30-1723-when-he-was-nineteen-yea_2956915.jpg" --- # On July 30, 1723, when he was nineteen years old, Edwards… ![“On July 30, 1723, when he was nineteen years old, Edwards wrote in his diary, “I have concluded to endeavor to work myself into duties by searching and tracing back all the real reasons why I do them not, and narrowly searching out all the subtle subterfuges of my thoughts.” A week later he wrote…” quote by John Piper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/829/john-piper-255_human-heart_on-july-30-1723-when-he-was-nineteen-yea_2956915.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/829/john-piper-255_human-heart_on-july-30-1723-when-he-was-nineteen-yea_2956915.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/829/john-piper-255_human-heart_on-july-30-1723-when-he-was-nineteen-yea_2956915.jpg) > ““On July 30, 1723, when he was nineteen years old, Edwards wrote in his diary, “I have concluded to endeavor to work myself into duties by searching and tracing back all the real reasons why I do them not, and narrowly searching out all the subtle subterfuges of my thoughts.” A week later he wrote, “Very much convinced of the extraordinary deceitfulness of the heart, and how exceedingly… appetite blinds the mind, and brings it into entire subjection.”” [John Piper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-piper/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Edwards seeks to understand his motivations by examining hidden reasons and mental deceit, recognizing how desire can dominate reason. **In simple terms:** He examines why he avoids duties, noting heart’s deceit and appetite’s blindness. Key Takeaway Self‑examination reveals hidden motives. Themes self‑awareness motivation human nature Mood reflective introspective Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - personal journaling - spiritual growth - decision making - overcoming procrastination Key Concepts psychology ethical introspection Questions to Reflect On - What hidden motives drive your actions? - How does desire cloud your judgment? 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