“ For Prudence, is but Experience; which equall time, equally bestowes on all men, in those things they equally apply themselves unto. ”
Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan (1651). copy citation
| Author | Thomas Hobbes |
|---|---|
| Source | Leviathan |
| Topic | time experience prudence |
| Date | 1651 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/3207/3207-h/3207-h.htm |
Context
“And as to the faculties of the mind, (setting aside the arts grounded upon words, and especially that skill of proceeding upon generall, and infallible rules, called Science; which very few have, and but in few things; as being not a native faculty, born with us; nor attained, (as Prudence,) while we look after somewhat els,) I find yet a greater equality amongst men, than that of strength. For Prudence, is but Experience; which equall time, equally bestowes on all men, in those things they equally apply themselves unto. That which may perhaps make such equality incredible, is but a vain conceipt of ones owne wisdome, which almost all men think they have in a greater degree, than the Vulgar; that is, than all men but themselves, and a few others, whom by Fame, or for concurring with themselves, they approve.”
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Meaning and analysis
