The operative rule for definite article usage is that ‘the’ is used with a specific instance of something while indefinite article is used before a generic instance of a countable noun.
Most of the non countable nouns are used without articles in their generic use – for example:
bravery, love, knowledge, strength, perseverance, greatness etc.
Examples:
i) Education is the right of every child.
ii) Honesty is the best policy.
iii) My acceptance of your terms does not mean I will agree to everything you say.
Some abstract nouns are countable as well as non countable and the rules of article usage with such nouns are the same as the rules of article usage elsewhere – meaning that generic instances of countable nouns will use a/an while specific instances will use ‘the’.
For example:
i) Sudhir has an idea for startup.
ii) The idea that Sanjeev pitched was rejected by his boss.
iii) I have designed a new method to extract orange juice.
iv) We have filed for patent of the idea I had for juice extraction.
v) I have a dream.
vi) The dream that Gandhi ji saw of India will soon come true.
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