The errors of definitions multiply themselves according as the reckoning proceeds; and lead men into absurdities, which at last they see but cannot avoid, without reckoning anew from the beginning.
Interpretation
Misunderstandings can grow and complicate our understanding, leading us to recognize our mistakes yet struggle to correct them.
This quote by Thomas Hobbes highlights the cumulative effect of misunderstandings or incorrect definitions. As one builds upon flawed concepts, the complications and absurdities increase, creating a situation where individuals may recognize their errors yet find it challenging to revert to a more accurate understanding. This reflects the nature of human reasoning and the importance of clarity in definitions to avoid confusion.
In practice
In a debate about historical events, one could use this quote to emphasize the importance of accurate definitions to avoid confusion.
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.
Negativity is often looked upon [in the USA] as a kind of thought crime. Not since the advent of socialist realism has the world witnessed such pathological upbeatness.
Economics make homeopath and alternative healers look empirical and scientific.
I try to design into a world that is constantly moving, and moving me.
There are eight rungs in charity. The highest is when you help a man to help himself.
In antiquity the sage kings recognized that men's nature is bad and that their tendencies were not being corrected and their lawlessness controlled.
Some scientists claim that hydrogen, because it is so plentiful, is the basic building block of the universe. I dispute that. I say there is more stupidity than hydrogen, and that is the basic building block of the universe.
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