By subscribing to Inspiring Quotes you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
English essayist William Hazlitt is best known for his humanist writings, which stress free will and self-actualization. In 1826, he published “On Application to Study,” an essay discussing how staying engaged keeps us moving forward. With this line, Hazlitt suggests that the drive for knowledge keeps our minds sharp — that genius is a muscle that can be exercised. He wrote that “by continuing our efforts, as by moving forwards in a road, we extend our views, and discover continually new tracts of country.” In other words, we will always learn something new when we’re out looking for it with an open mind.
24 Quotes on Practicing Compassion
20 Unforgettable Lyrics From '70s Music
11 Quotes on Gratitude, the 'Parent of All Virtues'
Aretha Franklin on Love, Music, and Respect
10 Friendship Quotes From 'Sex and the City'
Quotes About Nature From 10 Famous Environmentalists
'Nothing So Royal as Truth': 19 Quotes About Truth and the Pursuit of It
'When You Get, Give': 14 Quotes About Volunteering
20 Memorable Lyrics From Taylor Swift Songs
10 Quotes That Are Really, Actually Ironic
9 Memorable Quotes From TV Sitcoms From Each Decade