Clear Quote by Giambattista Vico
“The criterion and rule of the true is to have made it. Accordingly, our clear and distinct idea of the mind cannot be a criterion of the mind itself, still less of other truths. For while the mind perceives itself, it does not make itself.”
About This Quote
Source Book: New Science, 1725
The mind cannot validate itself; truth requires external criteria beyond self‑perception.
In simple terms: Self‑knowledge isn’t enough to prove truth.
Key Takeaway
Seek external standards for truth.
Themes
epistemology
self‑knowledge
philosophy
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- personal reflection
- scientific method
Key Concepts
Cartesian doubt
criterion of truth
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you determine if a belief is truly justified?
- What external standards guide your judgments?
A Different Perspective
Self‑assessment may be biased and insufficient.
![“And here we determine the άκμή [acme], i.e. perfect state, of the nations, which is enjoyed when the sciences, disciplines and arts, all of which draw their being from religion and the law, are in service to religion and the law. Hence when the nations conduct themselves in a different way, as…” quote by Giambattista Vico](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8b2/giambattista-vico-24320_art_and-here-we-determine-the-acme-i-e-perfe_376482.jpg)
![“We have no clear ideas of the agency of [demonic] spirits, nor is it necessary. The Scripture says little to satisfy our curiosity; but tells us plainly that he is always watching us, and desiring to sift us as wheat. I believe we give him no more than his due, when we charge him with having a…” quote by John Newton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c75/john-newton-6629_abundance_we-have-no-clear-ideas-of-the-agency-of_2907.jpg)
