"The wise philosopher tells us, that the soul of man is rasa tabula, like a white sheet of paper, out of which it must be more than common art to erase the first impressions"
— Grose, John (bap. 1758, d. 1821)
Work Title
Place of Publication
London
Publisher
Printed for the Author, by I. Moore; and sold by - Faulder; - Brown; and - Wilkie
Date
1782
Metaphor
"The wise philosopher tells us, that the soul of man is rasa tabula, like a white sheet of paper, out of which it must be more than common art to erase the first impressions"
Metaphor in Context
We seldom enquire into the merit of any thing, but our first question is, is it customary, if answered in the affirmative, our acquiescence immediately ensues. The votaries of the ton would not deviate from a rule so universal, though their peace was destroyed, and their happiness infringed on. It is co-existent with life in one point of view, since it is no longer called living, than while we act according to Custom. It seems to be the law of nature, since what is acquired from the [end page 430] cradle, increases in youth,--displays itself in manhood,--and becomes natural with age. The wise philosopher tells us, that the soul of man is rasa tabula, like a white sheet of paper, out of which it must be more than common art to erase the first impressions.
(pp. 430-1)
(pp. 430-1)
Categories
Provenance
Searching "like white paper" in ECCO
Citation
Grose, John. Ethics, Rational and Theological, With Cursory Reflections on the General Principles of Deism. By John Grose. (London: Printed for the Author, by I. Moore, 1782).
Theme
Blank Slate
Date of Entry
10/26/2005
