QuoteProject
Hence intellect[ual perception] is both a beginning and an end, for the demonstrations arise from these, and concern them. As a result, one ought to pay attention to the undemonstrated assertions and opinions of experienced and older people, or of the prudent, no less than to demonstrations, for, because the have an experienced eye, they see correctly.
Aristotle
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Intellectual perception is fundamental for understanding, emphasizing the value of wisdom from experienced individuals.

This quote by Aristotle highlights the importance of both intellectual reasoning and the insights gained from experience. It suggests that understanding is not solely derived from logical demonstrations but also from listening to the wisdom of those who have lived through various experiences. The knowledge of older, prudent individuals should be valued equally to theoretical knowledge, as their lived experiences provide profound insights.

Themes

WisdomExperienceKnowledgeIntellectPerception

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about decision-making, one might quote Aristotle to emphasize the value of input from experienced colleagues.

More from Aristotle

Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.
AristotleRead
Those who cannot bravely face danger are the slaves of their attackers.
AristotleRead
For often, when one is asleep, there is something in consciousness which declares that what then presents itself is but a dream.
AristotleRead
You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.
AristotleRead
But if nothing but soul, or in soul mind, is qualified to count, it is impossible for there to be time unless there is soul, but only that of which time is an attribute, i.e. if change can exist without soul.
AristotleRead
The whole is more than the sum of its parts.
AristotleRead

Similar quotes

There is no doubt that in exchanging a self-centered for a selfless life we gain enormously in self-esteem. The vanity of the selfless, even those who practice utmost humility, is boundless.
Eric HofferRead
The primary sign of a well-ordered mind is a man's ability to remain in one place and linger in his own company
Seneca The YoungerRead
Experiment with this a little. During these days that you are here with me, don't nourish any desire for happiness, and then see how your heart becomes filled with happiness. Don't have any desire for peace, and see how the turmoil within you vanishes. Don't beg for contentment and see how contentment showers down on you. Please try this - only then will you understand.
RajneeshRead
Your eloquence should be the servant of the ideas in your head. Your rule might be this: If a sentence, no matter how excellent, does not illuminate your subject in some new and useful way, scratch it out.
Kurt VonnegutRead
Be a good steward of your gifts. Protect your time. Feed your inner life. Avoid too much noise. Read good books, have good sentences in your ears. Be by yourself as often as you can. Walk. Take the phone off the hook. Work regular hours.
Jane KenyonRead
Later, she would remember these years, and realize with astonishment that she had, by fifteen, decided on most of the assumptions she would carry for the rest of her life: that people were essentially not evil, that perfection was death, that life was better than order and a little chaos good for the soul. Most important, this life was all. Unfortunately, she forgot these things, and had to remember them the hard way.
Marilyn FrenchRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.