Meaning: This quote by Thomas Hooker reflects a common attitude towards the contemplation of one's sins. Hooker, a prominent Puritan colonial leader, criticizes the lack of introspection and self-examination among individuals, highlighting their disdain for such practices and their tendency to scoff at the idea. The quote suggests that people are more concerned with avoiding the acknowledgment of their sins and the need for self-reflection, rather than earnestly considering the state of their souls.

In the quote, Hooker captures the sentiment that many individuals are resistant to the idea of contemplating their sins. He suggests that people are dismissive of the practice and even mock those who advocate for it. The response "what say they, if all were of your mind; what should become of us? Shall we be always poring on our corruptions?" implies a reluctance to engage in self-examination, as if doing so would lead to a perpetual preoccupation with one's flaws and failings.

Thomas Hooker, who played a significant role in the establishment of the Connecticut Colony, was a prominent figure in the Puritan movement. Puritans placed a strong emphasis on introspection, self-examination, and the acknowledgment of sin as part of their religious beliefs. Hooker's criticism of the disdain for musing on sins reflects the tension between the Puritan ideals of self-reflection and the resistance of individuals to engage in this practice.

The quote also sheds light on the human inclination to avoid confronting their shortcomings and the discomfort that comes with acknowledging one's sins. Rather than embracing the opportunity for self-improvement and spiritual growth, people are depicted as rejecting such introspection, fearing that it would consume them with a constant focus on their flaws and imperfections.

This resistance to self-examination and the disdain for musing on sins can be interpreted as a broader commentary on human nature and the challenges individuals face when confronted with the need for self-reflection. It speaks to the universal tendency to evade uncomfortable truths about oneself and the reluctance to engage in the process of self-discovery and moral reckoning.

In conclusion, Thomas Hooker's quote captures the reluctance of individuals to engage in self-examination and the disdain for contemplating their sins. It reflects the tension between the Puritan emphasis on introspection and the resistance of individuals to embrace this practice. The quote serves as a reminder of the universal human struggle to confront one's flaws and the discomfort that comes with acknowledging one's sins.