"The Mind is a meer tabula rasa, originally without any Impression, Stamp or Character whatsoever, (unless we'll suppose it the same with Brutes) but capable of any, and most apt to receive the first that offers, till external Objects furnish it with distinct Ideas, and from thence collect materials for it to work upon."
— Anonymous
Author
Work Title
Place of Publication
London
Publisher
Printed for J. Batley and J. Pote, Eaton
Date
1731
Metaphor
"The Mind is a meer tabula rasa, originally without any Impression, Stamp or Character whatsoever, (unless we'll suppose it the same with Brutes) but capable of any, and most apt to receive the first that offers, till external Objects furnish it with distinct Ideas, and from thence collect materials for it to work upon."
Metaphor in Context
I. From the foregoing Considerations; namely, that Nature teaches us nothing. The Mind is a meer tabula rasa, originally without any Impression, Stamp or Character whatsoever, (unless we'll suppose it the same with Brutes) but capable of any, and most apt to receive the first that offers, till exter- [end page 18] nal Objects furnish it with distinct Ideas, and from thence collect materials for it to work upon. The Way of Man, says the Prophet Jeremy, and with great truth, is not in himself; it is not in Man that walketh to direct his Steps. This is an Assertion that needs no Proof; every one's Experience and Observation will at once convince him of the Reality of it: and if he takes but a View of the different Tempers, Habits, and Customs, the dissonant Notions, Inclinations and Pursuits of Mankind in the World, he'll find it in all respects true.
(pp. 18-9)
(pp. 18-9)
Categories
Provenance
Searching "tabula rasa" in ECCO
Citation
The Religion of Nature Consider'd: to Which Is Added, a Postscript; Containing Reflections on Mr. Chubb's Discourse Concerning Reason, &C. So Far As It Respects This Subject. (London: Printed for J. Batley and J. Pote, Eaton [sic], 1731).
Theme
Blank Slate
Date of Entry
10/09/2006
