ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING 65 



Another error is, an impatience of doubting and a blind 

 hurry of asserting without a mature suspension of judgment. 

 For the two ways of contemplation are like the two ways of 

 action so frequently mentioned by the ancients; the one plain 

 and easy at first, but in the end impassable; the other rough 

 and fatiguing in the entrance, but soon after fair and even: 

 so in contemplation, if we begin with certainties, we shall 

 end in doubts; but if we begin with doubts, and are patient 

 in them, we shall end in certainties. 



Another error lies in the manner of delivering knowl 

 edge, which is generally magisterial and peremptory, not 

 ingenuous and open, but suited to gain belief without ex 

 amination. And in compendious treatises for practice, this 

 form should not be disallowed; but in the true delivering 

 of knowledge, both extremes are to be avoided; viz., that of 

 Velleius the Epicurean, who feared nothing so much as the 

 non-appearance of doubting;&quot; 69 and that of Socrates and 

 the Academics, who ironically doubted of all things: but 

 the true way is to propose things candidly, with more or 

 less asseveration, as they stand in a man s own judgment. 



There are other errors in the scope that men propose to 

 themselves: for whereas the more diligent professors of any 

 science ought chiefly to endeavor the making some addi 

 tions or improvements therein, they aspire only to certain 

 second prizes; as to be a profound commentator, a sharp 

 disputant, a methodical compiler, or abridger, whence the 

 returns or revenues of knowledge are sometimes increased, 

 but not the inheritance and stock. 



But the greatest error of all is, mistaking the ultimate 

 end of knowledge; for some men covet knowledge out of 

 a natural curiosity and inquisitive temper; some to enter 

 tain the mind with variety and delight; some for ornament 

 and reputation; some for victory and contention; many for 

 lucre and a livelihood; and but few for employing the 

 Divine gift of reason to the use and benefit of mankind. 

 Thus some appear to seek in knowledge a couch for a 



69 Cicero, De Natura Deorurn, i. c. 8. 



