Army Quote by Thomas Reid
“The wisdom of God exceeds that of the wisest man, more than his wisdom exceeds that of a child. If a child were to conjecture how an army is to be formed in the day of battle--how a city is to be fortified, or a state governed--what chance has he to guess right? As little chance has the wisest man when he pretends to conjecture how the planets move in their courses, how the sea ebbs and flows, and how our minds act upon our bodies.”
About This Quote
Source Book: An Inquiry into the Human Mind, Thomas Reid, 1764
Human understanding is limited; divine wisdom surpasses even the most learned minds, especially in complex matters like warfare, governance, and natural laws.
In simple terms: God's wisdom exceeds human knowledge.
Key Takeaway
Recognize limits and seek higher guidance.
Themes
humility
knowledge
divine wisdom
Mood
reflective
humble
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- making strategic decisions
- governing
- scientific inquiry
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
theology
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you discern when to trust intuition versus expert advice?
- What role does faith play in your decision making?
A Different Perspective
Human reasoning can be flawed; overreliance on it may lead to errors.
![“There is no greater impediment to the advancement of knowledge than the ambiguity of words. To this chiefly it is owing that we find sects and parties in most branches of science [and politics]; and disputes that are carried on from age to age, without being brought to issue.” quote by Thomas Reid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aaa/thomas-reid-22153_advancement_there-is-no-greater-impediment-to-the-ad_655402.jpg)
![“I can't imagine that I would be asked that by the president-elect [Donald Trump], or then-president [Barack Obama]. But it's - I'm very clear. I voted for the change that put the Army Field Manual in place as a member of Congress. I understand that law very, very quickly and am also deeply aware…” quote by James Mattis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/761/james-mattis-9515_army_i-can-t-imagine-that-i-would-be-asked-th_3990.jpg)
