A man would perish of hunger and thirst, if he refused to eat or drink, till he had obtained positive proof that food and drink would be good for him. But in philosophic reflection this is not so. On the contrary, we must take care not to admit as true anything, which is only probable. For when one falsity has been let in, infinite others follow.


Letter 56 (60), to Hugo Boxel (1674)


A man would perish of hunger and thirst, if he refused to eat or drink, till he had obtained positive proof that food and drink would be good for...

A man would perish of hunger and thirst, if he refused to eat or drink, till he had obtained positive proof that food and drink would be good for...

A man would perish of hunger and thirst, if he refused to eat or drink, till he had obtained positive proof that food and drink would be good for...

A man would perish of hunger and thirst, if he refused to eat or drink, till he had obtained positive proof that food and drink would be good for...