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Birth Quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero

“It is a strong proof of men knowing most things before birth, that when mere children they grasp innumerable facts with such speed as to show that they are not then taking them in for the first time, but are remembering and recalling them.” quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero
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“It is a strong proof of men knowing most things before birth, that when mere children they grasp innumerable facts with such speed as to show that they are not then taking them in for the first time, but are remembering and recalling them.”

Marcus Tullius Cicero

About This Quote

Source Treatise: De Oratore, Marcus Tullius Cicero, 55 BC

Cicero argues that humans possess innate knowledge, recalling facts from before birth rather than learning anew.

In simple terms: Humans recall innate knowledge from before birth.

Key Takeaway

Trust intuition as a source of knowledge.

Themes

knowledge innate memory education philosophy

Mood

inquisitive analytical

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • education
  • self‑directed learning
  • psychology
  • philosophical debate

Key Concepts

epistemology cognitive psychology innatism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What evidence supports innate knowledge?
  • How do experience and memory interact?
A Different Perspective

The claim lacks empirical evidence and may oversimplify learning processes.

3.9 out of 5 (4 ratings)

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