The most part of men, though they have the use of reasoning a little way, as in numbering to some degree; yet it serves them to little use in common life; in which they govern themselves, some better, some worse, according to their differences of experience, quickness of memory, and inclinations to several ends; but specially according to good or evil fortune, and the errors of one another.

Leviathan, Or the Matter, Forme, & Power of a Common-wealth Ecclesiastical and Civill. By Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury (ed. 1651)