Salomon saith, There is no new thing upon the earth. So that as Plato had an imagination, that all knowledge was but remembrance; so Salomon giveth his sentence, that all novelty is but oblivion.
Francis BaconRead
For many parts of Nature can neither be invented with sufficient subtlety, nor demonstrated with sufficient perspicuity, nor accommodated unto use with sufficient dexterity, without the aid and intervening of the mathematics, of which sort are perspective, music, astronomy, cosmography, architecture, engineery, and divers others.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Mathematics is essential for understanding and utilizing various aspects of nature.
In this quote, Francis Bacon emphasizes the indispensable role that mathematics plays in comprehending and manipulating the natural world. He suggests that many elements of nature cannot be effectively created, analyzed, or applied without the insights and tools provided by mathematical principles, covering various fields such as perspective, music, astronomy, cosmography, architecture, and engineering.
Themes
MathematicsNatureScienceUnderstandingPerspectiveArchitecture
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the importance of mathematics in science classes.
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Wise men make more opportunities than they find.
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Knowledge and human power are synonymous.
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