Permit me, sir, to give you one piece of advice. Be not so positive; especially with regard to things which are neither easy nor necessary to be determined. When I was young I was sure of everything. In a few years, having been mistaken a thousand times, I was not half so sure of most things as I was before. At present, I am hardly sure of anything but what God has revealed to man.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Wesley advises against over‑confidence, noting that experience has taught him humility and reliance on divine revelation.
- In plain terms
- He learned to be less sure of everything after many mistakes.
- What can you take from it?
- Accept uncertainty and seek guidance beyond personal certainty.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is confidence appropriate?
- How do we balance faith and reason?
Another view
Some may view reliance on divine revelation as limiting critical inquiry.
More from John Wesley
No circumstances can make it necessary for a man to burst in sunder all the ties of humanity.
Permalink to quote #10 I desired as many as could to join together in fasting and prayer, that God would restore the spirit of love and of a sound mind to the poor deluded rebels in …
Permalink to quote #12 Are you a man? Then you should have an human heart. But have you indeed? What is your heart made of? Is there no such principle as Compassion there? Do you nev…
Permalink to quote #9
Related quotes
Religion in its humility restores man to his only dignity, the courage to live by grace.
George SantayanaGeorge Santayana quote #42 I looked and looked but I didn't see God.
Yuri GagarinYuri Gagarin quote #1 O Lord! thou knowest how busy I must be this day: if I forget thee, do not thou forget me.
Jacob AstleyJacob Astley quote #1