Until recently, I had never heard of Joseph Joubert. And to be honest, it is a rather odd reason why he recently came to my attention. He was born in 1754 and died in 1824, so he has been gone for almost 200 years. He never published anything during his lifetime, but after his death, his wife allowed some of his writings to be printed and shared with others. Based on my research, a copyright may only last until the end of the author’s life plus another 70 years. I guess that’s why one of his quotes ended up where it did.
As I continued my research, I found that the following quotes were also credited to Joseph, and the reason for me sharing them, is that I felt they were rather clever and especially thought provoking:
“Those who never retract their opinions love themselves more than they love truth.”
“It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.”
“Children need models rather than critics.”
“Only choose in marriage a man whom you would choose as a friend if he were a woman.”
“Close your eyes and see.”
I don’t trust my future nor my fortune, so to speak, to the words written in a Chinese fortune cookie, but this last quote is what caused me to initially stumble upon Joseph:
“To teach is to learn twice”
Yes, I found these words in my fortune cookie. It made so much sense that I couldn’t believe it was something the author of this fortune had come up with on their own. As my previous online search had revealed, Joseph was the actual author of this wise saying. The reason for me highlighting this last quote is to bring it to the attention of those who have never taught a class or those who have not recently taught. Teaching is very rewarding, and as the quote brings out, you will learn a lot.
2 Timothy 2:19 – 26 (NKJV)
19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.