“Every person of learning is finally his own teacher, the reason of which is that principles, being a distinct quality to circumstances, cannot be impressed upon the memory; their place of mental residence is the understanding and they are never so lasting as when they begin by conception.”

Others can only show the way toward true knowledge; present concepts, facts and figures, perhaps inspire the imagination and encourage the soul, if we’re lucky.

But the real lessons in life and true knowledge must come from within, an internal understanding; for then it takes root and becomes a part of us, even as a hand or a heart.

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thomas paine thomas paine quotes learning teacher teaching knowledge