A new theory of vision : and other writings / [George] Berkeley ; introduction by A. D. Linsay.

  • George Berkeley
Date:
[1910]
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Licence: In copyright

Credit: A new theory of vision : and other writings / [George] Berkeley ; introduction by A. D. Linsay. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by UCL Library Services. The original may be consulted at UCL (University College London)

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    {Secondly^ ^ it is clear from what we have elsewhere observed, that the operating according to general and stated laws, is so necessary for our guidance in the affairs of life^ and letting us into the secret of nature, that without it, all reach and compass of thought, all human sagacity and design could serve to no manner of pur- pose : it were even impossible there should be any such faculties or powers in the mind. See Sect. xxxi. Which one consideration abundantly outbalances what- ever particular inconveniences may thence arise. CLII. [We should further consider^ (i) that the very blemishes and defects of nature are not without their use, in that they make an agreeable sort of variety, and augment the beauty of the rest of the creation, as shades in a picture serve to set off the brighter and more enlightened parts.] (2) [We would likewise do well to examine, whether our taxing the waste of seeds and embryos, and accidental destruction of plants and animals, before they come to full maturity, as an im- prudence in the author of nature, be not the effect of prejudice contracted by our familiarity with impotent and saving mortals.] In man indeed a thrifty manage- ment of those things, which he cannot procure without much pains and industry, may be esteemed wisdom. But we must not imagine, that the inexplicably fine machine of an animal or vegetable costs the great Creator any more pains or trouble in its production than a pebble doth: nothing being more evident, than that an omni- potent spirit can indifferently produce every thing by a mere fiat or act of his will. [Hence it is plain, that the splendid profusion of natural things should not be interpreted weakness or prodigality in the agent who produces them, but rather he looked on as an argument of the riches of his power.] CLIII. As for the mixture of pain, or uneasiness which is in the worlds pursuant to the general laws of nature, and the actions of finite imperfect spirits : this, in the state we are in at present, is indispensably necessary to our well-being. But our prospects are too narrow: 1 The first argument is contained in the preceding note.