Common Quote by Thomas Hobbes
“The most part of men, though they have the use of reasoning a little way, as in numbering to some degree; yet it serves them to little use in common life; in which they govern themselves, some better, some worse, according to their differences of experience, quickness of memory, and inclinations to several ends; but specially according to good or evil fortune, and the errors of one another.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Leviathan, 1651
Human reasoning is limited and often ineffective in everyday life, leading people to be guided by experience, memory, and personal inclinations, as well as fortune and others' errors.
In simple terms: Reasoning is weak in daily life, experience and luck dominate.
Key Takeaway
Rely on experience and humility.
Themes
human nature
reasoning
experience
fortune
error
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- governance
- personal decision making
- conflict resolution
- leadership
- education
Key Concepts
philosophy
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance reasoning with experience?
- What role does luck play in your decisions?
A Different Perspective
Reasoning can still be valuable when combined with critical thinking.
![“Neither Italian fascism nor German national "socialism" have anything in common with such a [Soviet socialistic] society, primarily because private ownership of factories, plants, lands, banks, means of transportation, etc., remain untouched there, and, therefore, capitalism in Germany and Italy…” quote by Joseph Stalin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/411/joseph-stalin-1734_capitalism_neither-italian-fascism-nor-german-natio_1430.jpg)
