Others indeed may talk, and write, and fight about liberty, and make an outward pretence to it but the free-thinker alone is truly free.
George BerkeleyRead
The same principles which at first view lead to skepticism, pursued to a certain point, bring men back to common sense.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Skepticism can ultimately lead to logical reasoning and common understanding.
George Berkeley suggests that while skepticism might initially seem to cause doubt and confusion, if one follows its principles to a certain extent, it can lead them back to a grounded, sensible view of reality. This highlights the importance of questioning and critical thinking as tools that ultimately guide one back to clarity and common sense.
Themes
SkepticismCommon SenseReasonPhilosophyLogic
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the importance of questioning beliefs and assumptions.
More from George Berkeley
All quotes βTo be is to be perceived (Esse est percipi)." Or, "If a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound?
George BerkeleyRead
Truth is the cry of all, but the game of few.
George BerkeleyRead
All the choir of heaven and furniture of earth - in a word, all those bodies which compose the frame of the world - have not any subsistence without a mind.
George BerkeleyRead
Many things, for aught I know, may exist, whereof neither I nor any other man hath or can have any idea or notion whatsoever.
George BerkeleyRead
A ray of imagination or of wisdom may enlighten the universe, and glow into remotest centuries.
George BerkeleyRead
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Men that look no further than their outsides, think health an appurtenance unto life, and quarrel with their constitutions for being sick; but I that have examined the parts of man, and know upon what tender filaments that fabric hangs, do wonder that we are not always so; and considering the thousand doors that lead to death, do thank my God that we can die but once.
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