“Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.”
- Prince Gautama Siddhartha (wink, wink)
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2006-12-27 10:07:12 · 8 answers · asked by NHBaritone 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Very wise.
Let me give you another one:
The clause of the constitution, which, while it secured the freedom of the press, covered also the freedom of religion, had given to the clergy a very favorite hope of obtaining an establishment of a particular form of Christianity thro' the U. S.; and as every sect believes its own form the true one, every one perhaps hoped for his own, but especially the Episcopalians & Congregationalists. The returning good sense of our country threatens abortion to their hopes, & they believe that any portion of power confided to me, will be exerted in opposition to their schemes. And they believe rightly; for I have sworn upon the altar of god, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.
Thomas Jefferson
2006-12-27 10:15:46 · answer #1 · answered by Dave P 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
(I did take the time to confirm that is was a genuine quotation, and not something cooked up more recently, as in the case of "Desiderata")
It sounds good, but that's going to take time and effort.
Ooooh, scarey... quick, let's hide under the first convenient myth (or if young, urban legend).
For your consideration:
"The public buys its opinions as it buys its meat, or takes in its milk, on the principle that it is cheaper to do this than to keep a cow. So it is, but the milk is more likely to be watered." Samuel Butler
2006-12-27 18:32:56 · answer #2 · answered by Pedestal 42 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah Buddhism!
2006-12-27 18:11:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like some kinda commie bast#ard. (Only kidding!)
I've always held it as one of the few important statements made by a person associated with a "religion." (Loosely defined.)
2006-12-27 18:13:52 · answer #4 · answered by JAT 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love it.
I live by it to the best of my ability.
This, and the Buddha's comments about wasting time wondering about the "beginnings of things" are my favorites.
2006-12-27 18:13:53 · answer #5 · answered by Praise Singer 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Buddha is wisest for understanding that though we are part of a whole, our spirituality comes from within us. Truth is within us.
2006-12-27 18:12:11 · answer #6 · answered by Sara 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's awesome. I had a Tshirt with that put on it.
2006-12-27 18:12:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I like it.
2006-12-27 18:10:20 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋