"I delight not in spreading any thing mysterious, for I consider it all lost time; but the things that all of us can see and know if we will"
About this Quote
Elias Hicks, a popular Quaker minister in the early 19th century, was known for his straightforward and pragmatic approach to spirituality and knowledge. His declaration, "I delight not in spreading any thing mystical, for I consider all of it wasted time; however the important things that everybody can see and know if we will", encapsulates his viewpoint that avoids unneeded intricacy in favor of clarity and availability.
At its core, Hicks's quote emphasizes a preference for tangible understanding over mystical or arcane knowledge. By saying, "I delight not in spreading any thing mystical", Hicks underscores a rejection of mystique and obfuscation as tools for sharing insights or facts. This stance can be analyzed as a critique of any mentor or belief system that puts worth on hidden or secret knowledge, which may ultimately distract from more useful or immediate understanding.
Hicks's approach aligns with the Quaker emphasis on individual experience and direct discovery. Quakes typically think that spiritual truth is available to every individual without needing intermediaries or sophisticated teachings. When Hicks mentions "the important things that everyone can see and know if we will", he points to this conviction that truth and knowledge are offered to everybody who seeks them with open genuineness and determination to comprehend.
Furthermore, Hicks's termination of the mysterious as "lost time" suggests a pragmatic, even utilitarian outlook. Time spent unraveling complexities may be much better purchased checking out straightforward, universal truths that can have a more instant influence on one's life and community. This lines up with a more comprehensive philosophical and ethical viewpoint that values functionality and action over pondering the impenetrable.
In essence, Hicks advocates for a technique to knowledge and spirituality that focuses on clarity, ease of access, and common understanding. By promoting what is openly observable and knowable, he champs a democratization of education and spiritual insight that empowers people by stressing direct, personal experience. This reflects his vision of a society where understanding is not gatekept by complexity however shared openly for the benefit of all.
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