Others indeed may talk, and write, and fight about liberty, and make an outward pretence to it but the free-thinker alone is truly free.
George BerkeleyRead
The same principles which at first view lead to skepticism, pursued to a certain point, bring men back to common sense.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Skepticism can ultimately lead to logical reasoning and common understanding.
George Berkeley suggests that while skepticism might initially seem to cause doubt and confusion, if one follows its principles to a certain extent, it can lead them back to a grounded, sensible view of reality. This highlights the importance of questioning and critical thinking as tools that ultimately guide one back to clarity and common sense.
Themes
SkepticismCommon SenseReasonPhilosophyLogic
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the importance of questioning beliefs and assumptions.
More from George Berkeley
All quotes βTo be is to be perceived (Esse est percipi)." Or, "If a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound?
George BerkeleyRead
Truth is the cry of all, but the game of few.
George BerkeleyRead
All the choir of heaven and furniture of earth - in a word, all those bodies which compose the frame of the world - have not any subsistence without a mind.
George BerkeleyRead
Many things, for aught I know, may exist, whereof neither I nor any other man hath or can have any idea or notion whatsoever.
George BerkeleyRead
A ray of imagination or of wisdom may enlighten the universe, and glow into remotest centuries.
George BerkeleyRead
Similar quotes
The liberty of the individual is no gift of civilization. It was greatest before there was any civilization.
Sigmund FreudRead
We have this day restored the Sovereign to Whom all men ought to be obedient. He reigns in heaven and from the rising to the setting of the sun, let His kingdom come.
Samuel AdamsRead
The fact of the matter is that the 'real world' is to a large extent unconsciously built up on the language habits of the group.
Edward SapirRead
Wherever people gather for selfless ends, there is a vast augmentation of their individual capacities. Something wonderful, something momentous happens. An irresistible force begins to move, which, though we may not see it, is going to change our world. In this lies the power and the meaning of spiritual companionship.
Eknath EaswaranRead
Neither by nature, then, nor contrary to nature do the virtues arise in us; rather we are adapted by nature to receive them, and are made perfect by habit.
AristotleRead
Immortality: A toy which people cry for, And on their knees apply for, Dispute, contend and lie for, And if allowed Would be right proud Eternally to die for.
Ambrose BierceRead