For many ages it has been allowed by sensible men, Nihil est in intellectu quod non fuit prius in sensu: That is, There is nothing in the understanding which was not first perceived by some of the senses. All the knowledge which we naturally have is originally derived from our senses. And therefore those who want any sense cannot have the least knowledge or idea of the objects of that sense; as they that never had sight have not the least knowledge or conception of light or colours.

Summary

This quote states that all knowledge and understanding originate from our senses. Sensible individuals have acknowledged this notion for many centuries, articulating that there is nothing present in our understanding that was not first perceived by one of our senses. Our sensory experiences provide the foundation for all the knowledge we possess. Therefore, those who lack a specific sense, such as sight, cannot have any knowledge or concept of the objects associated with that sense. For example, individuals who have never had sight cannot comprehend or have any understanding of concepts like light or colors.

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