I do not know by what power I think; but well I know that…
““I do not know by what power I think; but well I know that I should never have thought without the assistance of my senses. That there are immaterial and intelligent substances I do not at all doubt; but that it is impossible for God to communicate the faculty of thinking to matter, I doubt very much. I revere the Eternal Power, to which it would ill become me to prescribe bounds. I affirm nothing, and am contented to believe that many things are possible than are usually thought so".””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human cognition depends on sensory input; the existence of immaterial intellect is uncertain, yet belief in possibilities beyond common thought persists.
In simple terms: Thinking relies on senses; mystery remains.
Key Takeaway
Embrace uncertainty and wonder.
Themes
philosophy
epistemology
metaphysics
Mood
contemplative
curious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- spiritual contemplation
- creative brainstorming
Key Concepts
sensory perception
divine mystery
skepticism
Questions to Reflect On
- What do you doubt about thinking?
- How can mystery inspire inquiry?
A Different Perspective
Limits of understanding may hinder progress.