General observations drawn from particulars are the jewels…
“General observations drawn from particulars are the jewels of knowledge, comprehending great store in a little room; but they are therefore to be made with the greater care and caution, lest, if we take counterfeit for true, our loss and shame be the greater when our stock comes to a severe scrutiny.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Generalizing from specifics yields valuable knowledge but requires careful verification to avoid false conclusions.
In simple terms: Generalizing needs careful verification.
Key Takeaway
Verify before generalizing.
Themes
knowledge
reasoning
caution
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- education
- policy making
Key Concepts
epistemology
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How to test a generalization?
- What safeguards prevent error?
A Different Perspective
Overgeneralization can mislead.