Accounts Quote by William Wilberforce
“The time of reckoning will at length arrive. And when finallly summoned to the bar of God, to give an account of our stewardship, what plea can we have to urge in our defense, if we remain willingly, and obstinately ignorant of the way which leads to life, with such transcendent means of knowing it, and such urgent motives to its pursuit?”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Parliamentary Address on Moral Stewardship, 1805
Humanity will be judged for its neglect of life’s purpose, and ignorance of higher knowledge leads to moral failure.
In simple terms: Ignorance of life's purpose leads to moral failure.
Key Takeaway
Seek knowledge and act responsibly.
Themes
morality
stewardship
spirituality
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- environmental policy
- education reform
- personal ethics
- community service
Key Concepts
ethics
existential purpose
accountability
Questions to Reflect On
- What purpose guides your actions?
- How can you reduce willful ignorance?
A Different Perspective
Human nature may resist confronting uncomfortable truths.
![“The effect of our knowledge rather ought to be, first, to teach us reverence and fear; and, secondly, to induce us, under its guidance and teaching, to ask every good thing from [God], and, when it is received, ascribe it to him. For how can the idea of God enter your mind without instantly giving…” quote by John Calvin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/27f/john-calvin-490_authority_the-effect-of-our-knowledge-rather-ought_371358.jpg)
