Sherwood Eddy Quotes

Powerful Sherwood Eddy for Daily Growth

About Sherwood Eddy

Sherwood Eddy (1871-1963) was an American Baptist minister, missionary, author, and peace activist who significantly impacted the religious and social landscape of his time. Born on June 25, 1871, in Canton, Illinois, he grew up in a family deeply rooted in faith and education. His father, Hiram Eddy, was a prominent Baptist minister and his mother, Elizabeth Wood Eddy, a school teacher. Eddy's spiritual journey began at a young age. As a teenager, he attended Oberlin College in Ohio, where he deepened his Christian faith and developed a passion for social justice. His education continued at Rochester Theological Seminary, where he graduated in 1895. In 1897, Eddy embarked on a missionary journey to China, serving as a Baptist missionary for the next 26 years. During his tenure, he played a significant role in establishing the Central University of Nanking and founded the YMCA in Shanghai. His experiences in Asia profoundly influenced his views on non-violence, Eastern religions, and cross-cultural understanding. Upon returning to the United States in 1923, Eddy became a prominent figure in the Baptist Church, serving as president of Colby College from 1927 to 1946. He was also instrumental in establishing the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), an organization that received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1947 for its work during World War II. Eddy's major works include "Asia's Contribution to Christianity" (1905), "The Chinese and Their Moral Ideals" (1911), and "A Chinaman's Progress: An Autobiography of a Chinese Christian" (1923). His writings reflect his deep understanding of Eastern cultures, the integration of faith and social action, and his commitment to peace. Sherwood Eddy passed away on February 5, 1963, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire today. He was a bridge-builder between East and West, a champion of peace, and a testament to the transformative power of faith in action.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The universe is wider than our views can ever make it."

This quote suggests that the vastness and complexity of the universe, in all its myriad aspects including scientific, philosophical, and metaphysical, surpasses our limited human understanding or comprehension. It underscores the importance of curiosity, exploration, learning, and humility in our pursuit of knowledge, encouraging us to challenge our existing beliefs and expand our perspectives as we strive to fully grasp the intricacies of existence.


"Wisdom is not a product of schooling but the lifelong attempt to acquire it."

Sherwood Eddy's quote emphasizes that wisdom isn't something that can be learned in a classroom, but rather, it's a continuous pursuit in life. He suggests that formal education is not the sole source of wisdom; instead, it is a lifelong journey to seek and acquire knowledge, experience, and understanding about the world and ourselves. This quote encourages individuals to keep learning, growing, and reflecting throughout their lives, as wisdom comes from living and experiencing, as much as it does from traditional education.


"Belief in things unseen is the root of all human progress."

This quote by Sherwood Eddy underscores that faith or belief in intangible concepts, such as ideas, principles, or possibilities, plays a crucial role in driving human progress. By embracing beliefs in concepts not immediately observable, humans have been inspired to innovate, challenge the status quo, and explore new frontiers – from the development of science and technology to the pursuit of social justice. This quote encourages us to maintain hope and curiosity for things beyond our current understanding, as they can catalyze progress and foster human growth.


"To be conscious is not to see visions, it is to see what's there."

This quote by Sherwood Eddy emphasizes the importance of perceiving reality as it truly is, rather than being swayed by personal biases, illusions, or fantasies. It encourages a clear-eyed understanding of the world around us, and the value of objective observation over subjective interpretation. In essence, it's a call to appreciate the truth of things as they exist, without adding our own imagined elements or preconceived notions.


"The greatest discovery of any generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitude."

This quote suggests that individuals possess the power to transform their lives significantly, not by external circumstances, but through changing their mindset or attitude. Essentially, it implies that our perspective on life plays a crucial role in shaping our experiences and outcomes. A positive, adaptable, and resilient attitude can enable us to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and ultimately lead more fulfilling lives.


Faith is reason grown courageous.

- Sherwood Eddy

Reason, Courageous, Grown, Faith

Faith is not contrary to reason.

- Sherwood Eddy

Reason, Contrary, Faith

Faith is not trying to believe something regardless of the evidence. Faith is daring to do something regardless of the consequences.

- Sherwood Eddy

Faith, Trying, Evidence, Regardless

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