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for any one to convict them of error。 In this they seem to me to be like a
blind man； who； in order to fight on equal terms with a person that sees；
should have made him descend to the bottom of an intensely dark cave：
and I may say that such persons have an interest in my refraining from
publishing the principles of the philosophy of which I make use； for； since
these are of a kind the simplest and most evident； I should； by publishing
them； do much the same as if I were to throw open the windows； and
allow the light of day to enter the cave into which the batants had
descended。 But even superior men have no reason for any great anxiety
to know these principles； for if what they desire is to be able to speak of
all things； and to acquire a reputation for learning； they will gain their end
more easily by remaining satisfied with the appearance of truth； which can
be found without much difficulty in all sorts of matters； than by seeking
the truth itself which unfolds itself but slowly and that only in some
departments； while it obliges us； when we have to speak of others； freely
to confess our ignorance。 If； however； they prefer the knowledge of
some few truths to the vanity of appearing ignorant of none； as such
knowledge is undoubtedly much to be preferred； and； if they choose to
follow a course similar to mine； they do not require for this that I should
say anything more than I have already said in this discourse。 For if they
are capable of making greater advancement than I have made； they will
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SEEKING TRUTH IN THE SCIENCES
much more be able of themselves to discover all that I believe myself to
have found； since as I have never examined aught except in order； it is
certain that what yet remains to be discovered is in itself more difficult
and recondite； than that which I have already been enabled to find； and the
gratification would be much less in learning it from me than in discovering
it for themselves。 Besides this； the habit which they will acquire； by
seeking first what is easy； and then passing onward slowly and step by step
to the more difficult； will benefit them more than all my instructions。
Thus； in my own case； I am persuaded that if I had been taught from my
youth all the truths of which I have since sought out demonstrations； and
had thus learned them without labour； I should never； perhaps； have
known any beyond these； at least； I should never have acquired the habit
and the facility which I think I possess in always discovering new truths in
proportion as I give myself to the search。 And； in a single word； if there is
any work in the world which cannot be so well finished by another as by
him who has menced it； it is that at which I labour。
It is true； indeed； as regards the experiments which may conduce to
this end； that one man is not equal to the task of making them all； but yet
he can advantageously avail himself； in this work； of no hands besides his
own； unless those of artisans； or parties of the same kind； whom he could
pay； and whom the hope of gain （a means of great efficacy） might
stimulate to accuracy in the performance of what was prescribed to them。
For as to those who； through curiosity or a desire of learning； of their own
accord； perhaps； offer him their services； besides that in general their
promises exceed their performance； and that they sketch out fine designs
of which not one is ever realized； they will； without doubt； expect to be
pensated for their trouble by the explication of some difficulties； or； at
least； by pliments and useless speeches； in which he cannot spend any
portion of his time without loss to himself。 And as for the experiments
that others have already made； even although these parties should be
willing of themselves to municate them to him （which is what those
who esteem them secrets will never do）； the experiments are； for the most
part； acpanied with so many circumstances and superfluous elements；
as to make it exceedingly difficult to disentangle the truth from its
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adjuncts… besides； he will find almost all of them so ill described； or even
so false （because those who made them have wished to see in them only
such facts as they deemed conformable to their principles）； that； if in the
entire number there should be some of a nature suited to his purpose； still
their value could not pensate for the time what would be necessary to
make the selection。 So that if there existed any one whom we assuredly
knew to be capable of making discoveries of the highest kind； and of the
greatest possible utility to the public； and if all other men were therefore
eager by all means to assist him in successfully prosecuting his designs； I
do not see that they could do aught else for him beyond contributing to
defray the expenses of the experiments that might be necessary； and for
the rest； prevent his being deprived of his leisure by the unseasonable
interruptions of any one。 But besides that I neither have so high an
opinion of myself as to b