And as to the faculties of the mind, setting aside the arts grounded upon words, and especially that skill of proceeding upon generall, and infallible rules, called Science; which very few have, and but in few things; as being not a native faculty, born within us; nor attained, (as Prudence,) while we look after somewhat else.
Interpretation
Hobbes emphasizes that scientific reasoning is a rare skill not innate to humans.
In this quote, Thomas Hobbes reflects on the abilities of the mind, criticizing the reliance on established arts that depend on language and advocating for the merit of science, which he suggests is not an inherent human trait. He argues that science, unlike other qualities such as prudence, requires deliberate pursuit and is not easily acquired, implying that many fail to cultivate this analytical skill while distracted by other pursuits.
In practice
During a lecture on the importance of education, one might refer to Hobbes' reflection on the rarity of scientific reasoning.
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.
The end of knowledge is power ... the scope of all speculation is the performing of some action or thing to be done.
I am neither virgin nor priest enough to play with the inner life.
We must rekindle the fire of idealism in our society, for nothing suffocates the promise of America more than unbounded cynicism and indifference.
They cared for no one, they were outside humanity, and death, had it come, would only have continued their pursuit of a retreating horizon.
Every moment is as real as every other. Every 'now,' when you say, 'This is the real moment,' is as real as every other 'now' - and therefore all the moments are just out there. Just as every location in space is out there, I think every moment in time is out there, too.
Scepticism, ironically, draws its life's blood from claims to have a good deal of knowledge. For example, your friends claim to know, 'Since every possible option has not been explored, nothing can be said for certain.' That statement is itself a claim to knowledge!
The tongue may be an unruly member-- But silence poisons the soul.
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