Richard Whately Quotes

A collection of quotes by Richard Whately.

Richard Whately (1787-1863) was an eminent Irish theologian, logician, and writer, known for his intellectual brilliance and wit. He was born in London and educated at Oxford University, where he became a fellow of Oriel College. Whately served as the principal of a college in Bristol before moving to Dublin, Ireland.

In 1831, Whately was appointed the archbishop of Dublin, a position he held until his death. As an archbishop, he worked towards reforming the Irish education system, emphasizing the inclusion of practical subjects and the study of natural science.

Whately's theological and philosophical writings had a profound impact on his contemporaries and continue to be influential today. He argued for a practical and ethical approach to theology, advocating for the importance of reason and clear thinking in religious matters. Whately's works encompassed a wide range of topics, including ethics, political economy, and biblical criticism.

Notably, he is recognized for his contributions to the field of logic. Whately's book "Elements of Logic" provided a clear and accessible introduction to the subject and played a significant role in popularizing the study of logic throughout the 19th century.

Richard Whately's intellectual legacy endures, with his works remaining widely read and appreciated for their clarity, insight, and rationality.

All men wish to have truth on their side; but few to be on t

All men wish to have truth on their side; but few to be on the side of truth.

Richard Whately

To be always thinking about your manners is not the way to m

To be always thinking about your manners is not the way to make them good; the very perfection of manners is not to think about yourself.

Richard Whately

Honesty is the best policy; but he who is governed by that m

Honesty is the best policy; but he who is governed by that maxim is not an honest man.

Richard Whately

As one may bring himself to believe almost anything he is in

As one may bring himself to believe almost anything he is inclined to believe, it makes all the difference whether we begin or end with the inquiry, What is truth?

Richard Whately

Unless people can be kept in the dark, it is best for those

Unless people can be kept in the dark, it is best for those who love the truth to give them the full light.

Richard Whately

Curiosity is as much the parent of attention, as attention i

Curiosity is as much the parent of attention, as attention is of memory.

Richard Whately

Everyone wishes to have truth on his side, but not everyone

Everyone wishes to have truth on his side, but not everyone wishes to be on the side of truth.

Richard Whately

Weak arguments are often thrust before my path; but although

Weak arguments are often thrust before my path; but although they are most insubstantial, it is not easy to destroy them. There is not a more difficult feat known than to cut through a cushion with a sword.

Richard Whately

Argument & Debate

In our judgment of human transactions, the law of optics is

In our judgment of human transactions, the law of optics is reversed, we see most dimly the objects which are close around us.

Richard Whately

Judgment Judging

He only is exempt from failures who makes no efforts.

He only is exempt from failures who makes no efforts.

Richard Whately

A man who gives his children habits of industry provides for

A man who gives his children habits of industry provides for them better than by giving them a fortune.

Richard Whately

It is the neglect of timely repair that makes rebuilding nec

It is the neglect of timely repair that makes rebuilding necessary.

Richard Whately

A man is called selfish not for pursuing his own good, but f

A man is called selfish not for pursuing his own good, but for neglecting his neighbor's.

Richard Whately

Happiness is no laughing matter.

Happiness is no laughing matter.

Richard Whately

Lose an hour in the morning, and you will spend all day look

Lose an hour in the morning, and you will spend all day looking for it.

Richard Whately

Men are like sheep, of which a flock is more easily driven t

Men are like sheep, of which a flock is more easily driven than a single one.

Richard Whately