Geometry enlightens the intellect and sets one's mind right. All of its proofs are very clear and orderly. It is hardly possible for errors to enter into geometrical reasoning, because it is well arranged and orderly. Thus, the mind that constantly applies itself to geometry is not likely to fall into error. In this convenient way, the person who knows geometry acquires intelligence.
All the sciences came to exist in Arabic. The systematic works on them were written in Arabic writing.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Ibn Khaldun highlights the crucial role of the Arabic language in the advancement of science and knowledge.
This quote from Ibn Khaldun emphasizes the historical significance of the Arabic language as a medium through which many scientific disciplines were developed and documented. It acknowledges that the systematic exploration and writings in various fields of science were primarily conducted in Arabic, underscoring the cultural and intellectual contributions of the Arabic-speaking world to global knowledge.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of linguistic diversity in education, this quote can serve to illustrate the historical significance of the Arabic language.
More from Ibn Khaldun
All quotes βThroughout history many nations have suffered a physical defeat, but that has never marked the end of a nation. But when a nation has become the victim of a psychological defeat, then that marks the end of a nation.
He who finds a new path is a pathfinder, even if the trail has to be found again by others; and he who walks far ahead of his contemporaries is a leader, even though centuries pass before he is recognized as such.
The past resembles the future more than one drop of water resembles another.
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