"But the difference is much greater between the ideas of sense, the materials upon which the mind first begins its work, and the truths produced by its operations, than between the rough marble, and the statue formed by the skill of PHIDIAS."
— Rotheram, John (1725–1789)
Author
Place of Publication
London
Publisher
Printed by T. Saint, for J. Robson
Date
1781
Metaphor
"But the difference is much greater between the ideas of sense, the materials upon which the mind first begins its work, and the truths produced by its operations, than between the rough marble, and the statue formed by the skill of PHIDIAS."
Metaphor in Context
A block of marble is hewn from the quarry, and brought to PHIDIAS a rude and shapeless mass. He works upon it, reduces it into shape, gives it form and proportion, and a beautiful statue is produced. Is PHIDIAS himself who performed the work, a fragment from a rock? and is the idea of beauty after which he worked no more than a marble image within him?
But the difference is much greater between the ideas of sense, the materials upon which the mind first begins its work, and the truths produced by its operations, than between the rough marble, and the statue formed by the skill of PHIDIAS.
Let matter then be allowed to furnish the first materials; the enlightened mind, which by its operations upon these discovers truth, and pursues it through all its distant connections, must have powers as far superiour to that which gave the first impression, as PHIDIAS is superiour to the marble.
(pp. 55-6)
But the difference is much greater between the ideas of sense, the materials upon which the mind first begins its work, and the truths produced by its operations, than between the rough marble, and the statue formed by the skill of PHIDIAS.
Let matter then be allowed to furnish the first materials; the enlightened mind, which by its operations upon these discovers truth, and pursues it through all its distant connections, must have powers as far superiour to that which gave the first impression, as PHIDIAS is superiour to the marble.
(pp. 55-6)
Categories
Provenance
Reading (in the British Library)
Citation
An Essay on the Distinction Between the Soul and Body of Man. By John Rotheram, M. A. Rector of Houghton-Le-Spring, Vicar of Seaham, and Chaplain to the Right Reverend John Lord Bishop of Durham. (Newcastle upon Tyne: Printed by T. Saint, for J. Robson, New Bond-Street, London, 1781). <Link to ESTC>
Date of Entry
06/22/2014
