Quote by Ambrose Bierce
Logic, n. The art of thinking and reasoning in strict accordance with the limitations and incapacities of the human misunderstanding. The basic of logic is the syllogism, consisting of a major and a minor premise and a conclusion - thus:Major Premise: Sixty men can do a piece of work sixty times as quickly as one man.Minor Premise: One man can dig a post-hole in sixty seconds; Therefore-Conclusion: Sixty men can dig a post-hole in one second.This may be called syllogism arithmetical, in which, by combining logic and mathematics, we obtain a double certainty and are twice blessed.
Summary
This quote humorously highlights the limitations of human understanding and the role of logic in approaching and solving problems. It uses a syllogism, a logical structure, to illustrate how combining logic and mathematics can provide a sense of certainty and satisfaction. The example of sixty men digging a post-hole in one second emphasizes the power of logical reasoning when applied to numbers and calculations. Ultimately, the quote suggests that logic can help navigate the confines of human understanding and create a sense of accuracy and fulfillment.
Liked the quote? Share it with your friends.
