Words are wise men's counters, they do but reckon by them; but they are the money of fools, that value them by the authority of an Aristotle, a Cicero, or a Thomas, or any other doctor whatsoever, if but a man.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Words are tools for wise men to reason, but fools value them by authority rather than content.
- In plain terms
- Wise people use words to count and think; fools value them by who said them.
- What can you take from it?
- Value words for their content, not their source.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When should you trust authority?
- How do you judge an argument?
Another view
It dismisses legitimate reliance on expert testimony.
More from Thomas Hobbes
The condition of Man...is a condition of Warre of every one against every one.
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