Absurdities Quote by Thomas Hobbes
“The errors of definitions multiply themselves according as the reckoning proceeds; and lead men into absurdities, which at last they see but cannot avoid, without reckoning anew from the beginning.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Leviathan, 1651
Definitions become flawed when they are not re‑examined, leading to absurd conclusions.
In simple terms: Bad definitions cause absurd results.
Re‑evaluate definitions regularly.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- academic writing
- policy drafting
- software design
- legal interpretation
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How often should you revisit core definitions?
- What consequences arise from unexamined terms?
Re‑definition can be time‑consuming.