Inspirational Quotations

Inspirational Quotes by Benjamin Whichcote (British Religious Figure)

Benjamin Whichcote (1609–83) was an English philosopher, theologian, and preacher, known as the father of the Cambridge Platonists. His emphasis on reason, tolerance, and moral philosophy influenced 17th-century liberal Christian thought and shaped future theological perspectives.

Born in Stoke upon Tern, Shropshire, Whichcote studied at Emmanuel College-Cambridge, graduating in 1629. He became a fellow and tutor before his ordination in 1636, serving as a clergyman during a turbulent period in England.

Whichcote’s theological approach promoted the harmony of reason and faith, challenging Calvinist dogmatism and advocating intellectual inquiry and moral conscience as pathways to divine truth. These ideas formed the foundation of the Cambridge Platonists, who sought to unify philosophy, religion, and science.

His key work, Several Discourses (1698,) is a collection of sermons and essays emphasizing ethical living, virtue, and reason in theology. Moral and Religious Aphorisms (1753) presents his concise reflections on spirituality and morality.

As Provost of King’s College-Cambridge, 1644–60, he championed intellectual freedom. After the Restoration, he lost his position but continued his ministry in London parishes.

More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Benjamin Whichcote

Joy is the life of man’s life.
—Benjamin Whichcote
Topics: Joy

Man is a wonder to himself; he can neither govern nor know himself.
—Benjamin Whichcote
Topics: Self-Discovery

Modesty and humility are the sobriety of the mind, as temperance and chastity are of the body.
—Benjamin Whichcote
Topics: Modesty

It is base and unworthy to live below the dignity of our nature.
—Benjamin Whichcote
Topics: Dignity

Sins of the mind have less infamy than those of the body, but not less malignity.
—Benjamin Whichcote
Topics: Sin

None are so empty as those who are full of themselves.
—Benjamin Whichcote
Topics: Selfishness, Humility

It is impossible for a man to be made happy by putting him in a happy place, unless he be first in a happy state.
—Benjamin Whichcote
Topics: Happiness

Every man is born with the faculty of reason and the faculty of speech, but why should he be able to speak before he has anything to say?
—Benjamin Whichcote
Topics: Speaking

He that neither knows himself nor thinks he can learn of others is not fit for company.
—Benjamin Whichcote
Topics: Self-Discovery

Fear is the denomination of the Old Testament; belief is the denomination of the New.
—Benjamin Whichcote
Topics: Bible

Believe things, rather than man.
—Benjamin Whichcote
Topics: Beliefs

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