“ Nobility is Power, not in all places, but onely in those Common-wealths, where it has Priviledges: for in such priviledges consisteth their Power. Eloquence is Power; because it is seeming Prudence. Forme is Power; because being a promise of Good, it recommendeth men to the favour of women and strangers. The Sciences, are small Power; because not eminent ”
Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan (1651). copy citation
| Author | Thomas Hobbes |
|---|---|
| Source | Leviathan |
| Topic | wealth nobility |
| Date | 1651 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/3207/3207-h/3207-h.htm |
Context
“Affability of men already in power, is encrease of Power; because it gaineth love.
Reputation of Prudence in the conduct of Peace or War, is Power; because to prudent men, we commit the government of our selves, more willingly than to others.
Nobility is Power, not in all places, but onely in those Common-wealths, where it has Priviledges: for in such priviledges consisteth their Power.
Eloquence is Power; because it is seeming Prudence.
Forme is Power; because being a promise of Good, it recommendeth men to the favour of women and strangers.
The Sciences, are small Power; because not eminent; and therefore, not acknowledged in any man; nor are at all, but in a few; and in them, but of a few things. For Science is of that nature, as none can understand it to be, but such as in a good measure have attayned it.”
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