Julius Charles Hare Quotes

Powerful Julius Charles Hare for Daily Growth

About Julius Charles Hare

Julius Charles Hare (1795-1855) was an eminent English clergyman, writer, and philosopher, known for his profound influence on the religious and intellectual thought of Victorian England. Born in Oxfordshire on March 26, 1795, Hare was the son of Charles Hare, a Member of Parliament, and Elizabeth Vansittart, daughter of William Pitt the Younger's Chancellor of the Exchequer. Hare's intellectual prowess was nurtured at Eton College and Christ Church, Oxford, where he studied classics and theology. Upon graduation, Hare entered the Anglican clergy in 1820, serving various parishes in the Church of England before becoming Rector of Broughton in Northamptonshire in 1834. Throughout his career, Hare was deeply influenced by Platonic philosophy and the works of German idealist philosopher Friedrich Schelling. He is best known for his collaboration with his brother Augustus Edward Hare on the series "Guesses at Truth, by Two Brothers," a collection of dialogues exploring the philosophical, moral, and religious questions of their time. Their most influential work, "Knowledge and Skepticism: An Inquiry into the Nature and Source of Evidence," published in 1827, established Hare as a leading figure in the movement for religious reform known as the Oxford Movement. The book's central argument - that religious truth could be attained through personal experience and intuition rather than strict adherence to dogmatic creeds - resonated deeply with the religious ferment of Victorian England. Julius Hare passed away on June 18, 1855, leaving behind a rich legacy as a theologian, philosopher, and influential thinker who played a pivotal role in shaping the religious and intellectual landscape of his time.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The great object of life is SELF-Knowledge."

The quote suggests that the primary purpose or goal in life, according to Julius Charles Hare, is self-knowledge. This means understanding one's own nature, strengths, weaknesses, motivations, and values. Achieving self-knowledge empowers individuals to lead fulfilling lives by making informed decisions based on their true selves, rather than living a life that may not align with who they really are. It also implies that this process of introspection and understanding oneself can bring great personal satisfaction and growth.


"To love a thing truly, to feel it passionately and yet to keep it always before one in all its relations, I think that is a glorious art which may be attained by everyone; and it is an art which seems to me more worthy of man than the posession of every kingdom on earth."

This quote suggests that deeply loving something (an idea, object, or person) is not only about feeling passionate toward it, but also about understanding its connections and contexts in a comprehensive manner. Hare implies that such all-encompassing love transcends possessiveness and brings glory to humanity, making it more valuable than material wealth or earthly dominion.


"The first and great commandment is, 'Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind.' The second is like unto it, 'Love thy neighbour as thyself.'"

This quote by Julius Charles Hare encapsulates the essence of moral and spiritual living, emphasizing two fundamental principles: love for God and love for fellow humans. It suggests that our primary duty is to devote ourselves fully – with heart, soul, strength, and mind – to the divine, and secondarily, to treat others with the same level of care and respect as we would ourselves. This quote underscores the importance of both personal spiritual development and empathetic human connection in leading a meaningful life.


"True happiness arises, in the first place, from the enjoyment of one's self; which comes chiefly from being employed doing some great service to the world."

This quote suggests that true happiness stems primarily from self-enjoyment, which is most profound when one is engaged in significant service to the world. In other words, finding purpose and making a positive impact on humanity contributes significantly to personal fulfillment and happiness. The implication is that pursuing selfless acts of service can bring lasting joy and satisfaction in life.


"Life consists not in holding good cards but in playing those we hold well."

This quote emphasizes that success in life is not solely determined by the opportunities or resources one has (the "good cards"), but rather how effectively they utilize what they have at their disposal (playing those cards well). It suggests that focusing on making the most of your situation, abilities, and opportunities is more important than relying on favorable circumstances alone. Essentially, the quote encourages personal growth, resilience, and adaptability in overcoming life's challenges.


The mind is like a sheet of white paper in this, that the impressions it receives the oftenest, and retains the longest, are black ones.

- Julius Charles Hare

Mind, Like, Longest, Receives

Be what you are. This is the first step toward becoming better than you are.

- Julius Charles Hare

Intelligence, Better, Toward, Step

The greatest truths are the simplest, and so are the greatest men.

- Julius Charles Hare

Men, Greatest, Simplest, Truths

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