Walter Bagehot: “The truths of arithmetic, intuitive or not, certainly cannot be…”

On the record

The truths of arithmetic, intuitive or not, certainly cannot be acquired independently of experience nor can those of morals be so either.

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Walter Bagehot

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Bagehot claims that both arithmetic and moral truths cannot be understood without experience.

More from Walter Bagehot

But the Jewish advantage never did so; beginning in religion, contrary to a thousand analogies, it remained religious.

Carlyle has taught the present generation many lessons, and one of these is that 'God-fearing' armies are the best armies.

The whole history of civilisation, is strewn with creeds and institutions which were invaluable at first, and deadly afterwards.

No doubt this momentary gain is bought at a ruinous after-cost.

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Walter Bagehot: “The truths of arithmetic, intuitive or not, certainly cannot be acquired independently of experience nor can those of…”