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.
A real subjection is born mechanically from a fictitious relation [...] He who is subjected to a field of visibility, and who knows it, assumes responsibility for the constraints of power; he makes them play spontaneously upon himself; he inscribed in himself the power relation in which he simultaneously plays both roles; he becomes the principle of his own subjection.
Generally speaking, a howling wilderness does not howl: it is the imagination of the traveler that does the howling.
Holiness provokes hatred. The greater the holiness, the greater the human hostility toward it. It seems insane. No man was ever more loving than Jesus Christ. Yet even His love made people angry. His love was a perfect love, a transcendent and holy love, but HIs very love brought trauma to people. This kind of love is so majestic we can't stand it.
The Bible has been the Magna Charta of the poor and of the oppressed.
The penalty for getting mugged in an American city and losing your ID is that you can't fly home.
Every thing possible to be believ'd is an image of truth.
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