John Woolman Quotes

Powerful John Woolman for Daily Growth

About John Woolman

John Woolman (1720 – 1772), a significant figure in the American Enlightenment and early Quaker reformer, was born on November 15, 1720, in Monmouth County, New Jersey. As a devout member of the Society of Friends (Quakers), Woolman's life and work were deeply rooted in his religious beliefs. Woolman's early years were spent farming his family's land. At age 18, he experienced a spiritual awakening that led him to question social norms and pursue a life dedicated to peace, equality, and simplicity. This transformation marked the beginning of his remarkable journey as an activist and philosopher. Woolman traveled extensively throughout North America, observing and speaking out against various societal injustices. He fiercely opposed slavery, urging Quakers to free their enslaved workers and treat all people with dignity and respect. His influential tract, "Some Considerations on the Keeping of Negroes," published in 1754, was a powerful plea for abolition. Another significant work by Woolman is his autobiography, "Journal of John Woolman," which provides insight into his spiritual journey and activism. This personal account documents his travels, meetings with prominent figures such as Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, and his tireless efforts to promote social reform within the Quaker community and beyond. Woolman's legacy lies in his unwavering commitment to moral principles and his dedication to advocating for those marginalized by society. His influential writings continue to inspire activists and scholars alike, serving as a reminder of the power of one person's convictions in creating meaningful change. John Woolman passed away on November 6, 1772, leaving behind a rich legacy that resonates strongly in today's discussions about social justice and equality.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Let us be careful to guard against all selfishness and avarice, for they lead to unnecessary labor and vexation of spirit."

This quote by John Woolman highlights the importance of selflessness and avoiding greed in one's life. He suggests that when people are driven by selfish desires such as avarice (extreme greed or craving for wealth), they may work excessively and experience distress. Instead, he encourages us to prioritize care for others and the community over personal gain, promoting harmony and peace of mind.

"If we are truly wise, let us seek to find out the will of our Creator, in respect to the things we daily use."

This quote emphasizes that true wisdom lies not only in seeking knowledge for its own sake, but in understanding the moral implications and origin of the things we regularly interact with. John Woolman encourages us to consider our actions and possessions in light of their alignment with the divine will, suggesting a more mindful and purposeful approach to life.

"The more we have the more we want; till we are full of care and uneasiness about our worldly concerns."

This quote by John Woolman suggests that an increase in material possessions does not lead to contentment, but instead cultivates more desire and worry about maintaining those possessions. Essentially, it's a commentary on the human tendency to seek more, despite our inherent limitations and the associated anxiety that comes with accumulating wealth or things. It encourages reflection on the importance of balance between material wealth and inner peace.

"Let us not be contented with the common practice, but examine for ourselves whether it is right or wrong."

This quote by John Woolman emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and self-reflection in making moral decisions. Rather than blindly following societal norms, Woolman encourages individuals to question and evaluate their practices for themselves to determine if they are right or wrong. He challenges us to move beyond conformity and strive for a deeper understanding of what is ethical and just, fostering personal growth and contributing to the betterment of society as a whole.

"We should consider well what it is we are about; for every work we do, in this life, will bear its fruit."

This quote by John Woolman emphasizes the importance of thoughtful consideration before taking action. It suggests that each action or work we undertake has a consequence, and those consequences, or 'fruit', will be realized in the future. In essence, it encourages mindfulness and responsibility in our daily choices, reminding us that our actions shape our destiny and impact the world around us.

By the breaking in of enraged merciless armies, flourishing countries have been laid waste, great numbers of people have perished in a short time, and many more have been pressed with poverty and grief.

- John Woolman

Waste, Been, Laid, Short Time

My own will and desires were now very much broken, and my heart was with much earnestness turned to the Lord, to whom alone I looked for help in the dangers before me.

- John Woolman

Broken, Very, Turned, Dangers

After I had given up to go, the thoughts of the journey were often attended with unusual sadness, at which times my heart was frequently turned to the Lord with inward breathings for his heavenly support, that I might not fail to follow him wheresoever he might lead me.

- John Woolman

Lord, Turned, Frequently, Inward

The care of a wise and good man for his only son is inferior to the regard of the great Parent of the universe for his creatures.

- John Woolman

Parent, Creatures, Inferior, Good Man

Many slaves on this continent are oppressed, and their cries have reached the ears of the Most High. Such are the purity and certainty of his judgments, that he cannot be partial in our favor.

- John Woolman

Slaves, Continent, Cries, Judgments

When men take pleasure in feeling their minds elevated with strong drink, and so indulge their appetite as to disorder their understandings, neglect their duty as members of a family or civil society, and cast off all regard to religion, their case is much to be pitied.

- John Woolman

Strong, Minds, Indulge, Elevated

If kind parents love their children and delight in their happiness, then he who is perfect goodness in sending abroad mortal contagions doth assuredly direct their use.

- John Woolman

Love, Perfect, Abroad, Delight

I find that to be a fool as to worldly wisdom, and to commit my cause to God, not fearing to offend men, who take offence at the simplicity of truth, is the only way to remain unmoved at the sentiments of others.

- John Woolman

Cause, Remain, Commit, Offence

I then wrought at my trade as a tailor; carefully attended meetings for worship and discipline; and found an enlargement of gospel love in my mind, and therein a concern to visit Friends in some of the back settlements of Pennsylvania and Virginia.

- John Woolman

Love, Some, Settlements, Wrought

All this time I lived with my parents, and wrought on the plantation; and having had schooling pretty well for a planter, I used to improve myself in winter evenings, and other leisure times.

- John Woolman

Pretty, Other, Having, Wrought

About the twenty-third year of my age, I had many fresh and heavenly openings, in respect to the care and providence of the Almighty over his creatures in general, and over man as the most noble amongst those which are visible.

- John Woolman

Year, About, Almighty, Fresh

We sought out and visited all the Indians hereabouts that we could meet with, in number about twenty. They were chiefly in one place, about a mile from where we lodged.

- John Woolman

Could, About, Mile, Twenty

My heart hath often been deeply afflicted under a feeling that the standard of pure righteousness is not lifted up to the people by us, as a society, in that clearness which it might have been, had we been as faithful as we ought to be to the teachings of Christ.

- John Woolman

Faith, Been, Standard, Teachings

I knew I was going from the flock of Christ and had no resolution to return, hence serious reflections were uneasy to me, and youthful vanities and diversions were my greatest pleasure.

- John Woolman

Christ, Going, Flock, Youthful

The Lord had been very gracious, and spoke peace to me in the time of my distress, and I now most ungratefully turned again to folly; at times I felt sharp reproof, but I did not get low enough to cry for help.

- John Woolman

Very, Folly, Distress, Sharp

Through the humbling dispensations of Divine Providence, men are sometimes fitted for his service.

- John Woolman

Through, Humbling, His, Fitted

I was born in Northampton, in Burlington County, West Jersey, in the year 1720.

- John Woolman

Born, Year, I Was Born, Jersey

I have often felt a motion of love to leave some hints in writing of my experience of the goodness of God, and now, in the thirty-sixth year of my age, I begin this work.

- John Woolman

Love, Motion, Some, Hints

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