The knowledge of man is as the waters, some descending from above, and some springing from beneath
 Francis Bacon, The Advancement of Learning (1605). copy citation

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Author Francis Bacon
Source The Advancement of Learning
Topic spring water
Date 1605
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/5500/5500-h/5500-h.htm

Context

“and for wit and eloquence, not much less than to orators’ harangues. But it is not good to stay too long in the theatre. Let us now pass on to the judicial place or palace of the mind, which we are to approach and view with more reverence and attention. V. (1) The knowledge of man is as the waters, some descending from above, and some springing from beneath: the one informed by the light of nature, the other inspired by divine revelation. The light of nature consisteth in the notions of the mind and the reports of the senses; for as for knowledge which man receiveth by teaching, it is cumulative and not original, as in a water that besides his own spring-head is fed with other springs and streams.” source