Compass Quote by Edward Gibbon
“The knowledge that is suited to our situation and powers, the whole compass of moral, natural, and mathematical science, was neglected by the new Platonists; whilst they exhausted their strength in the verbal disputes of metaphysics, attempted to explore the secrets of the invisible world, and studied to reconcile Aristotle with Plato, on subjects of which both these philosophers were as ignorant as the rest of mankind.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 1776
The new Platonists ignored practical sciences, focusing on abstract metaphysics and futile reconciliations between Aristotle and Plato.
In simple terms: They neglected useful knowledge for theoretical debates.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize practical learning over idle speculation.
Themes
education
philosophy
science
history
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
historical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- curriculum design
- policy making
- personal study habits
Key Concepts
practical knowledge
metaphysics
intellectual focus
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance theoretical inquiry with practical application?
- What modern fields suffer from similar neglect?
A Different Perspective
Neglecting practical science can hinder societal progress.
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