John Stuart Mill Quotes

A study of the history of opinion is a necessary preliminary to the emancipation of the mind.

Narrow minds think nothing right that is above their own capacity.

An enlightened mind is not hoodwinked; it is not shut up in a gloomy prison till it thinks the walls of its dungeon the limits of the universe, and the reach of its own chain the outer verge of intelligence.

Research has been called good business, a necessity, a gamble, a game. It is none of these - it's a state of mind.

Nothing has such power to broaden the mind as the ability to investigate systematically and truly all that comes under thy observation in life.

You have to keep your mind as wide-open as your eyes, because almost nothing is what it seems.

Let not men think there is no truth, but in the sciences that they study, or the books that they read.

The fundamental facts about the Greek was that he had to use his mind. The ancient priest had said, "Thus far and no farther. We set the limits of thought." The Greeks said, All things are to be examined and called into question. There are no limits set on thought.

Small thoughts fit easily into a closed mind, but big thoughts require an open one.

It is easier taking the beaten path than making our way over bogs and precipices. The great difficulty in philosophy is to come to every question with a mind fresh and unshackled by former theories, though strengthened by exercise and information.

The learned and the studious of thought have no monopoly of wisdom. Their violence of direction in some degree disqualifies them to think truly.

A questioning mind is the most cherished resource man has and the rarest.

An open mind, in questions that are not ultimate, is useful. But an open mind about the ultimate foundations either of Theoretical or of Practical Reason is idiocy. If a man's mind is open on these things, let his mouth at least be shut. He can say nothing to the purpose. Outside the Tao there is no ground for criticizing either the Tao or anything else.

the only way in which a human being can make some approach to knowing the whole of a subject, is by hearing what can be said about it by persons of every variety of opinion, and studying all modes in which it can be looked at by every character of mind. No wise man ever acquired his wisdom in any mode but this; nor is it in the nature of human intellect to become wise in any other manner.

To live is a constant process of relating, so come on out of that shell of isolation and conclusion, and relate DIRECTLY to what is being said. Bear in mind I seek neither your approval nor to influence you. So do not make up your mind as to "this is this" or "that is that." I will be more than satisfied if you begin to learn to investigate everything yourself from now on.

An open mind is not an end in itself but a means to the end of finding truth.

Stupidity lies in wanting to draw conclusions.

There are moments in life where the question of knowing whether one might think otherwise than one thinks and perceive otherwise than one sees is indispensable if one is to continue to observe or reflect... What is philosophy today... if it does not consist in, instead of legitimizing what we already know, undertaking to know how and how far it might be possible to think otherwise?

I am very glad I have travelled. Travel improves the mind wonderfully, and does away with all one's prejudices.

A narrow mind begets obstinacy; we do not easily believe what we cannot see.

But if you parry individuals points - a negative and defensive enterprise - you never step back and actively imagine a world in which a different system of ideas could be true - a positive act.

When my information changes, I alter my conclusions. What do you do, sir?

I propose to beg no question to shrink from no conclusion, but to follow truth wherever it may lead.

The human mind is an organ for the discovery of truths rather than of falsehoods.

It is given to no human being to stereotype a set of truths, and walk safely by their guidance with his mind's eye closed.