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.
Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.
What must never be lost sight of is that a public functionary, in his capacity as functionary, produces absolutely nothing; that, on the contrary, he exists only on the products of the industrious class; and that he can consume nothing that has not been taken from the producers.
I realized that conventional views of Christian faith that I'd heard when I was growing up were simply made up - and I realized that many parts of the story of the early Christian movement had been left out.
What you are you do not see, what you see is your shadow.
I think one of the great historical contributions of science is to weaken the hold of religion. That's a good thing.
God keeps the entire Universe in order, and still finds time to take a personal interest in you and me.
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