Accidents Quote by Thomas Hobbes
“Whatsoever accidents or qualities our senses make us think there be in the world, they are not there, but are seemings and apparitions only. The things that really are in the world without us, are those motions by which these seemings are caused. And this is the great deception of sense, which also is by sense to be corrected. For as sense telleth me, when I see directly, that the colour seemeth to be in the object; so also sense telleth me, when I see by reflection, that colour is not in the object.”
About This Quote
Our senses deceive us; what we perceive are mere appearances, not the true nature of things.
In simple terms: Senses give false appearances, not reality.
Question sensory assumptions.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- science
- everyday decision making
- critical thinking
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we trust our senses?
- What methods reveal true nature?
Sensory data can still be useful.