The great gain would be freedom of thought.
In plain words
Mitchell believed the greatest reward was being free to think for yourself, not just repeat what others say.
Where these words come from
- 95% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
- Maria Mitchell: Life, Letters, and Journals (comp. Phebe Mitchell Kendall, 1896) — Project Gutenberg #10202, from her Vassar lecture notes, c. 1865-1885.
- Maria Mitchell: Life, Letters, and Journals (comp. Phebe Mitchell Kendall, 1896) — Project Gutenberg #10202
- circa 1865-1885 · Vassar College · from her astronomy lecture notes urging students to think for themselves
More from Maria Mitchell
See allBesides learning to see, there is another art to be learned,—not to see what is not.
Maria MitchellEvery formula which expresses a law of nature is a hymn of praise to God.Maria MitchellAside from the study of astronomy, there is the same enjoyment in a night upon the housetop, with the stars, as in the midst of other grand scenery; there is the same subdued quiet and grateful seriousness; a calm to the troubled spirit, and a hope to the desponding.Maria MitchellI wonder that I have so long been insensible to this charm in the skies, the tints of the different stars are so delicate in their variety.Maria MitchellNothing comes out more clearly in astronomical observations than the immense activity of the universe.Maria MitchellThe Aurora Borealis is always a pleasant companion; a meteor seems to come like a messenger from departed spirits; and the blossoming of trees in the moonlight becomes a sight looked for with pleasure.Maria Mitchell
Maria MitchellEvery formula which expresses a law of nature is a hymn of praise to God.Maria MitchellAside from the study of astronomy, there is the same enjoyment in a night upon the housetop, with the stars, as in the midst of other grand scenery; there is the same subdued quiet and grateful seriousness; a calm to the troubled spirit, and a hope to the desponding.Maria MitchellI wonder that I have so long been insensible to this charm in the skies, the tints of the different stars are so delicate in their variety.Maria MitchellNothing comes out more clearly in astronomical observations than the immense activity of the universe.Maria MitchellThe Aurora Borealis is always a pleasant companion; a meteor seems to come like a messenger from departed spirits; and the blossoming of trees in the moonlight becomes a sight looked for with pleasure.Maria MitchellMore on individuality
It takes people a long time to learn the difference between talent and genius, especially ambitious young men and women.
Louisa May AlcottHe who pursues fame at the risk of losing his self is not a scholar.
ZhuangziIt is not only fine feathers that make fine birds.
AesopPlato is my friend — Aristotle is my friend — but my greatest friend is truth.
Isaac NewtonIn the sciences the authority of thousands of opinions is not worth as much as one tiny spark of reason in an individual man.
Galileo GalileiIn the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.
Sun Tzu
Louisa May AlcottHe who pursues fame at the risk of losing his self is not a scholar.ZhuangziIt is not only fine feathers that make fine birds.AesopPlato is my friend — Aristotle is my friend — but my greatest friend is truth.Isaac NewtonIn the sciences the authority of thousands of opinions is not worth as much as one tiny spark of reason in an individual man.Galileo GalileiIn the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.Sun Tzu