"Now, thought is to the mind what motion is to the body; both are equally improved by exercise and impaired by disuse"
— Berkeley, George (1685-1753)
Author
Work Title
Date
1710
Metaphor
"Now, thought is to the mind what motion is to the body; both are equally improved by exercise and impaired by disuse"
Metaphor in Context
It is the observation of a wise man (Sir Will Temple) that solitude and leisure are the greatest advantages that riches can give those who possess them above all other men; and yet these are what rich men least of all make use of. He that is equally fitted for thought and meditation in his closet, or for business and conversation in the world is certainly the best able to serve his country, and can pass with the greatest evenness through all scenes of life. 'Tis thought which governs the world, and all the states in it, and produces whatever is great and glorious in them. Stirring and action is but the handmaid of thought, without [end page 39] which the former can do no good, but may a great deal of harm. Whatever therefore improves the thinking faculty surely ought to be practised. Now, thought is to the mind what motion is to the body; both are equally improved by exercise and impaired by disuse. In order therefore to obtain health and strength of mind it is useful that we employ our thoughts, though it should be even on useless subjects. How much rather ought we then to exercise them on the grounds and certainty of knowledge, the being and attributes of God, and the nature of our own soul. I mean not by this to persuade you that what I have written deserves much heed, but only to shew you that the subjects I have chosen are worth thinking on.
(Vol. VIII, pp. 39-40)
(Vol. VIII, pp. 39-40)
Categories
Provenance
Reading The Works of George Berkeley
Citation
Berkeley, George. The Works of George Berkeley. Ed. T. E. Jessop and A. A. Luce. Vol 8. pp. 39-40.
Date of Entry
09/14/2009
Date of Review
05/01/2007
