On the Syrian Gods (1680) - Page 8

Lactantius. Lucius Caecilius Firmianus Lactantius (c. 250 – c. 325 AD) was an early Christian author and advisor to the first Christian emperor, Constantine I. He is often called the "Christian Cicero" for his elegant Latin style. This quote comes from his most famous work, the Divine Institutes.

The first step of wisdom is; FALSEHOODS

to understand. original Latin: "Primus Sapientiæ gradus est; FALSA intelligere." In the context of this book, Selden uses this quote to justify his study of pagan "false gods": one must understand the history of religious error to fully appreciate theological truth.