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.
For the journalist, anything probable is gospel truth.
I don't think the world will destroy itself in a nuclear cataclysm. On the contrary, we have the capacity to save ourselves and save the planet, and we will use it.
The best philosophers were not academics, but had another job, so their philosophy was not corrupted by careerism.
I have come not to make war on the Italians, but to aid the Italians against Rome.
People who deny the existence of dragons are often eaten by dragons. From within.
Freedom is messy. In free societies, people will fall through the cracks - drink too much, eat too much, buy unaffordable homes, fail to make prudent provision for health care, and much else. But the price of being relieved of all those tiresome choices by a benign paternal government is far too high. Big Government is the small option: it's the guarantee of smaller freedom, smaller homes, smaller cars, smaller opportunities, smaller lives.
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