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John Aubrey Quotes

Powerful John Aubrey for Daily Growth

About John Aubrey

John Aubrey (1626-1697), an English antiquarian and historian, is renowned as one of the founders of British anthropology and archaeology. Born on March 28, 1626, in Walcot, Wiltshire, he was the eldest son of John Aubrey, a yeoman farmer, and his wife, Joan Hutchings. Aubrey's early education was sporadic due to his family's financial struggles, but he showed an early interest in learning and later attended Westminster School and Christ Church, Oxford. His academic pursuits were cut short by his father's death, which forced him to return home and manage the estate. Influenced by John Selden's "Historia Mundi" and Francis Bacon's "Novum Organum," Aubrey developed a keen interest in antiquarianism and natural philosophy. He was also influenced by his cousin, Thomas Hobbes, with whom he had a strained relationship due to their differing political views. Aubrey's major works include "Brief Lives," a collection of short biographical sketches of eminent people from the 17th century, and "Natural History of Wiltshire," an early work of local antiquarianism. His unfinished magnum opus was the "Miscellanea Druida" (later renamed "Aubrey's Brief Lives"), which contained detailed accounts of his contemporaries, including Oliver Cromwell and John Milton. Despite facing financial hardships throughout his life, Aubrey was a curious and inquisitive individual who contributed significantly to the fields of history and anthropology. His work laid the foundation for modern biography and served as an inspiration for subsequent scholars like Edward Gibbon and Thomas Babington Macaulay. John Aubrey died on April 8, 1697.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I shall not have conquered myself, if having seen something odd, I pass it without comment."

The quote by John Aubrey suggests a keen interest in observing and understanding the unusual or peculiar aspects of life, as well as a willingness to engage with them rather than ignoring them. It encourages one to be curious, mindful, and thoughtful about the world around them, thus fostering personal growth and development through increased self-awareness.

"A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes."

This quote emphasizes that a person's character, actions, and overall life are shaped by their thoughts. Essentially, it means that our beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors reflect what we consistently think about ourselves and the world around us. Therefore, if one nurtures positive thoughts, they will likely become a positive individual, while negative thoughts may lead to negative outcomes in life. It encourages personal growth through self-awareness and mindfulness of one's thoughts.

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."

This quote suggests that experiencing different cultures, places, and ideas through travel enriches one's understanding and perspective, making them more knowledgeable, as if they have 'read' multiple pages of the world instead of just one. Travel allows us to learn from various perspectives, broadening our minds and fostering empathy for people from diverse backgrounds. In essence, it expands one's comprehension of life beyond the confines of their immediate surroundings.

"To be born, to live, to die - these are things indifferent: the chief thing is to act well."

This quote by John Aubrey emphasizes that life's fundamental aspects such as birth, living, and death are inherently neutral or indifferent, not inherently good or bad. The focus should instead be on how we choose to act during our lives - it is the quality of our actions that truly matters and defines us. In other words, it's not just about surviving, but thriving and making a positive impact in the world that makes life meaningful.

"I have taken all knowledge to be my province; all that I meet with which relates to antiquity and biography, I devour like a ravenous bird."

This quote by John Aubrey suggests his profound interest in history and biographical studies. He viewed these subjects as his area of expertise and consumed information related to them with great enthusiasm, much like a bird eagerly consumes food. His dedication and voracious appetite for knowledge, particularly antiquity and biography, reflect his scholarly pursuit and passion for understanding the past and its inhabitants.

If Solomon counts the day of one's death better than the day of one's birth, there can be no objection why that also may not be reckoned amongst one's remarkable and happy days.

- John Aubrey

Death, May, Counts, Solomon

The astrologers and historians write that the ascendant as of Oxford is Capricornus, whose lord is Saturn, a religious planet, and patron of religious men.

- John Aubrey

Historians, Saturn, Patron, Ascendant

The silver Thames takes some part of this county in its journey to Oxford.

- John Aubrey

Journey, Some, Oxford, Thames

I have been in danger of being drowned twice.

- John Aubrey

Been, Twice, Being, Drowned

How these curiosities would be quite forgot, did not such idle fellowes as I put them down.

- John Aubrey

Down, Idle, Them, Forgot

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