John Mason: Quotes about knowledge

John Mason was English Independent minister and author. Explore interesting quotes on knowledge.
John Mason: 14   quotes 0   likes

“Every one of a common capacity hath the opportunity and ability to attain [self-knowledge], if he will but recollect his rambling thoughts, turn them in upon himself, watch the motions of his heart.”

John Mason

A Treatise on Self-Knowledge (1745)

Knowledge , Heart

“It has often occurred to my mind in digesting my thoughts on this subject, what a pity it is that this most useful science should be so generally neglected in the modern methods of education; and that preceptors and tutors, both in public and private seminaries of learning, should forget that the forming the manners is more necessary to a finished education than furnishing the minds of youth. Socrates, who made all his philosophy subservient to morality, was of this sentiment: and took more pains to rectify the tempers than replenish the understandings of his pupils; and looked upon all knowledge as useless speculation that was not brought to this end, to make us wiser and better men. And, without doubt, if in the academy the youth has once happily learned the great art of managing his temper, governing his passions, and guarding his foibles, he will find a more solid advantage from it in afterlife, than he could expect from the best acquaintance with all the systems of ancient and modern philosophy.”

John Mason

A Treatise on Self-Knowledge (1745)

Men , Pain , Youth , Education

“Other sciences are suited to the various conditions of life: some, more necessary to some; other, to others. But this [science of self-knowledge] equally concerns every one.”

John Mason

A Treatise on Self-Knowledge (1745)

Life , Knowledge , Science