--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The light of humane minds is perspicuous…" description: "\"“The light of humane minds is perspicuous words, but by exact definitions first snuffed, and purged from ambiguity, reason is the pace… And, on the con..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7a4/thomas-hobbes-1127_psychology_the-light-of-humane-minds-is-perspicuous_2403727.jpg" --- # The light of humane minds is perspicuous words, but by… ![“The light of humane minds is perspicuous words, but by exact definitions first snuffed, and purged from ambiguity, reason is the pace… And, on the contrary, metaphors, and senseless ambiguous words are like ignes fatui; and reasoning upon them is wandering amongst innumerable absurdities.” quote by Thomas Hobbes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7a4/thomas-hobbes-1127_psychology_the-light-of-humane-minds-is-perspicuous_2403727.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7a4/thomas-hobbes-1127_psychology_the-light-of-humane-minds-is-perspicuous_2403727.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7a4/thomas-hobbes-1127_psychology_the-light-of-humane-minds-is-perspicuous_2403727.jpg) > ““The light of humane minds is perspicuous words, but by exact definitions first snuffed, and purged from ambiguity, reason is the pace… And, on the contrary, metaphors, and senseless ambiguous words are like ignes fatui; and reasoning upon them is wandering amongst innumerable absurdities.”” [Thomas Hobbes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-hobbes/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Precise language clarifies thought, while vague metaphors cause confusion and irrational reasoning. **In simple terms:** Clear definitions aid reasoning; vague words hinder it. Key Takeaway Prioritize clarity in communication. Themes language reasoning clarity ambiguity Mood thoughtful inquisitive Type philosophical educational When to use this quote - academic writing - legal drafting - technical documentation - education Key Concepts philosophy of language logic epistemology Questions to Reflect On - When is metaphor useful? - How to balance clarity with expressive depth? 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