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The method I take to do this is not yet very usual; for…

“The method I take to do this is not yet very usual; for instead of using only comparative and superlative Words, and intellectual Arguments, I have taken the course (as a Specimen of the Political Arithmetic I have long aimed at) to express myself in Terms of Number, Weight, or Measure; to use…” quote by William Petty
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“The method I take to do this is not yet very usual; for instead of using only comparative and superlative Words, and intellectual Arguments, I have taken the course (as a Specimen of the Political Arithmetic I have long aimed at) to express myself in Terms of Number, Weight, or Measure; to use only Arguments of Sense, and to consider only such Causes, as have visible Foundations in Nature.”

William Petty

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

He proposes using measurable, tangible evidence instead of abstract language to argue, emphasizing observable natural causes.

In simple terms: Use concrete data over vague words.

Key Takeaway

Base arguments on observable facts.

Themes

empiricism clarity logic science communication

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • policy analysis
  • academic writing
  • debate
  • scientific research

Key Concepts

quantification evidence rationalism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you balance data with nuance?
  • When is qualitative insight essential?
A Different Perspective

Complex issues may resist simple quantification.

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