Quotessence
Home / Quotes / Quote by Mortimer J. Adler, Charles Van Doren

Quote by Mortimer J. Adler, Charles Van Doren

“To be equally serious in receiving such communication, one must be not only a responsive but also a responsible listener. You are responsive to the extent that you follow what has been said and note the intention that prompts it. But you also have the responsibility of taking a position. When you take it, it is yours, not the author's. To regard anyone except yourself as responsible for your judgment is to be a slave, not a free man. It is from this fact that the liberal arts acquire their name. (P. 140)”

Quote by Mortimer J. Adler, Charles Van Doren

Work

How to Read a Book: The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading

This book offers a systematic approach to reading, including techniques for active engagement, comprehension, and retention of material across different genres and subjects. more

Author

Mortimer J. Adler, Charles Van Doren

Browse famous quotes and profile details for Mortimer J. Adler, Charles Van Doren. more

You May Also Like

“Neopaganism is about accepting that no one is more responsible for my spiritual growth than the trinity of me, myself, and I. No one is more responsible for working to maintain stewardship of this planet and its occupants. No one is more responsible for ensuring that spirituality continues to be a forceful part of daily life. No one is more responsible for guaranteeing that humans have the right to investigate the truth for themselves, provided their beliefs and resulting actions cause no other person unnecessary harm or discomfort. Neopaganism is a spiritual practice that, having been born out of ancient times, has arisen to return the responsibility of life choices back to the individual so that we can no longer point a finger without noticing the three pointing back at ourselves.”

“I think the most successful and accomplished people are those who can show courage and admit they can’t do it alone. It’s pointless to struggle silently behind a fake smile.”

“But it’s okay that you think that. I think it takes a lot of energy and hard work to pretend things are perfect. I think I’d get really exhausted trying to pretend that. Sometimes it takes a lot of guts and bravery to admit that things aren’t perfect, that they’re not even okay. How would anyone know I needed help if I was always pretending everything was fine?”

“It is okay even if the pain never really disappears but doubles at the worst. It is okay when you remember unexpected moments- just like when remembering the good times that you spent together at a certain place. It is okay cringing when your favorite song sneaks up on you on your own playlist or worse—when you are at a public place and either Taylor Swift or Adele suddenly starts crooning incredibly tear-jerking lines over the loudspeakers. I hope you did not forget your value yet, because I know you are always finding yourself trying to prove your worth as a human being. I hope you become the fairy tale princess who will never lose faith in her prince. One day, things will not be as rough as this anymore and it will get smoother and better in time.”