A wise man should so write (though in words understood by all men) that wise men only should be able to commend him.
Interpretation
A truly wise person communicates in a way that is accessible to everyone, yet only the truly wise can fully appreciate their insights.
In this quote, Thomas Hobbes expresses the idea that while wisdom should be presented in clear and understandable language, the depth of that wisdom should be such that it can be recognized and appreciated only by those who have the capacity for deeper thought. It emphasizes the balance between accessibility and the elite understanding of profound insights.
In practice
During a lecture on philosophy, this quote can be used to emphasize the importance of communicating profound thoughts simply.
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.
There is no better means of attainment to the spiritual life Than by continually beginning again.
You don't have to be a creative maverick to have a troubled mind. You just have to be human. There is no 'us' and 'them.' No one is one hundred per cent healthy, physically or mentally.
Everything you do is right, nothing you do is wrong, yet you must still make ceaseless effort.
I have spoken words of hope. But only of hope. Hope is not victory.
A holy life will produce the deepest impression. Lighthouses blow no horns; they only shine.
A man who always speaks the truth wholeheartedly is greater than those who do penance and deeds of charity.
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