And therefore in geometry (which is the only science that it hath pleased God hitherto to bestow on mankind), men begin at settling the significations of their words; which settling of significations, they call definitions, and place them in the beginning of their reckoning.
Interpretation
This quote highlights the importance of definitions as foundational to understanding geometry and, by extension, all knowledge.
In this quote, Thomas Hobbes emphasizes that geometry, as a science, starts with the establishment of clear definitions for the terms used within it. This process of defining terms is crucial because it allows for a common understanding and a basis upon which further knowledge can be built. Hobbes suggests that this practice of defining terminology is not only applicable to geometry but is also fundamental to the pursuit of knowledge in general.
In practice
In a lecture on geometry, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of understanding foundational concepts.
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.
Where are the dogs going? you people who pay so little attention ask. They are going about their business. And they are very punctilious, without wallets, notes, and without briefcases.
The days hardened with cold and boredom like last year's loaves of bread. One began to cut them with blunt knives without appetite, with a lazy indifference.
I myself, from the very beginning, Seemed to myself like someone's dream or delirium Or a reflection in someone else's mirror, Without flesh, without meaning, without a name. Already I knew the list of crimes That I was destined to commit.
The questioners had that beautiful detachment and devotion to stern justice of men dealing in death without being in any danger of it.
We are the creators and creatures of each other, _x000D_ causing and bearing each other's burden.
Don't you know that a midnight hour comes when everyone has to take off his mask? Do you think life always lets itself be trifled with? Do you think you can sneak off a little before midnight to escape this?
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.