For if any man who never saw fire proved by satisfactory arguments that fire burns. His hearer’s mind would never be satisfied, nor would he avoid the fire until he put his hand in it that he might learn by experiment what argument taught.
Meaning of the quote
To understand this quote, imagine you've never seen fire before. Someone could tell you all about how it burns, but until you actually feel the heat of the fire yourself, you won't truly believe it. The quote is saying that no matter how much someone explains something to you, you won't be fully convinced until you experience it for yourself through hands-on learning.
About Roger Bacon
Roger Bacon was a medieval English polymath who emphasized the study of nature through empiricism. He is considered one of the greatest polymaths of the medieval period and is credited as one of the earliest European advocates of the modern scientific method. Bacon’s work, including his major work the Opus Majus, has had a lasting impact on the development of science and philosophy.
More quotes from Roger Bacon
Argument is conclusive, but it does not remove doubt, so that the mind may rest in the sure knowledge of the truth, unless it finds it by the method of experiment.
medieval philosopher and theologian
The strongest arguments prove nothing so long as the conclusions are not verified by experience. Experimental science is the queen of sciences and the goal of all speculation.
medieval philosopher and theologian
All science requires mathematics. The knowledge of mathematical things is almost innate in us. This is the easiest of sciences, a fact which is obvious in that no one’s brain rejects it; for laymen and people who are utterly illiterate know how to count and reckon.
medieval philosopher and theologian
For the things of this world cannot be made known without a knowledge of mathematics.
medieval philosopher and theologian
Reasoning draws a conclusion, but does not make the conclusion certain, unless the mind discovers it by the path of experience.
medieval philosopher and theologian
For if any man who never saw fire proved by satisfactory arguments that fire burns. His hearer’s mind would never be satisfied, nor would he avoid the fire until he put his hand in it that he might learn by experiment what argument taught.
medieval philosopher and theologian