Tis impossible to judge with much Præcision of the true…
“Tis impossible to judge with much Præcision of the true Motives and Qualities of human Actions, or of the Propriety of Rules contrived to govern them, without considering with like Attention, all the Passions, Appetites, Affections in Nature from which they flow. An intimate Knowledge therefore of the intellectual and moral World is the sole foundation on which a stable structure of Knowledge can be erected.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Understanding human motives, passions, and natural drives is essential for forming just rules and a stable knowledge system.
In simple terms: Human nature underpins law and knowledge.
Key Takeaway
Study human drives to craft fair governance.
Themes
human nature
ethics
knowledge
law
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- ethical education
- policy analysis
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do passions shape our judgments?
- What methods reveal true motives?
A Different Perspective
Complex motives may resist simple categorization.