Doe Quote by George Berkeley
“The table I write on I say exists ... meaning thereby that if I was in my study I might perceive it, or that some other spirit actually does perceive it.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Principles of Human Knowledge, 1710
Perceiving existence through perception; objects exist because they are perceived.
In simple terms: Things exist when observed.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the power of perception.
Themes
philosophy
perception
reality
mind
existence
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
theoretical
When to use this quote
- art criticism
- scientific observation
- mindfulness practice
Key Concepts
idealism
subjective reality
observation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your perception shape your reality?
- Can you trust senses alone?
A Different Perspective
Ignores external independent existence.
![“But, say you, surely there is nothing easier than for me to imagine trees, for instance, in a park [. . .] and nobody by to perceive them. [...] The objects of sense exist only when they are perceived; the trees therefore are in the garden [. . .] no longer than while there is somebody by to…” quote by George Berkeley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/844/george-berkeley-8287_easier_but-say-you-surely-there-is-nothing-easi_583192.jpg)
![“[Christianity] neither enjoins the nastiness of the Cynic, nor the insensibility of the Stoic.” quote by George Berkeley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9fa/george-berkeley-8287_christianity_christianity-neither-enjoins-the-nastine_218341.jpg)
![“[Tar water] is of a nature so mild and benign and proportioned to the human constitution, as to warm without heating, to cheer but not inebriate.” quote by George Berkeley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b4b/george-berkeley-8287_benign_tar-water-is-of-a-nature-so-mild-and-ben_299364.jpg)
