The end of knowledge is power ... the scope of all speculation is the performing of some action or thing to be done.
Interpretation
Knowledge leads to the ability to take action, and all speculation ultimately serves a practical purpose.
In this quote, Thomas Hobbes suggests that the ultimate goal of acquiring knowledge is to empower individuals to take action. He posits that all speculation or theoretical thought has its purpose in informing and guiding real-world actions, emphasizing the importance of knowledge as a precursor to power and practical execution in life.
In practice
This quote can be used in a graduation speech to inspire students about the importance of applying their knowledge.
Baptism is the sacrament of allegiance of them that are to be received into the Kingdom of God, that is to say, into Eternal life, that is to say, to Remission of Sin. For as Eternal life was lost by the committing, so it is recovered by the remitting of men's sins.
Force and fraud are in war the two cardinal virtues.
For it is not the shape, but their use, that makes them angels.
For to accuse requires less eloquence, such is man's nature, than to excuse; and condemnation, than absolution, more resembles justice.
Scientia potentia est, sed parva; quia scientia egregia rara est, nec proinde apparens nisi paucissimis, et in paucis rebus. Scientiae enim ea natura est, ut esse intelligi non possit, nisi ab illis qui sunt scientia praediti.
They that approve a private opinion, call it opinion; but they that dislike it, heresy; and yet heresy signifies no more than private opinion.
God does not comfort us to make us comfortable, but to make us comforters.
When you are older you will understand how precious little things, seemingly of no value in themselves, can be loved and prized above all price when they convey the love and thoughtfulness of a good heart.
All honest work is good work; it is capable of leading to self-development, provided the doer seeks to discover the inherent lessons and makes the most of the potentialities for such growth.
Soon I knew the craft of experimental physics was beyond me - it was the sublime quality of patience - patience in accumulating data, patience with recalcitrant equipment - which I sadly lacked.
We ought all to make an effort to act on our first thoughts and let our unspoken gratitude find expression. Then there will be more sunshine in the world, and more power to work for what is good.
The real pleasure of one's life is the devotion to a great objective of one's consideration.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.