A Sketch of Universal Wisdom

THE PLAN

...neatly: namely, an exact account original: "enarrationem" of those things which we already know, along with an accurate index everywhere of those things we do not know: whether because knowing them is simply not granted to us, or because they remain to be investigated. And indeed, all these things are for that end, and by that Method, so that from the first and lowest things, through the middle things, to the last and highest, the minds of men—as if by a certain skillfully made ladder This "skillful ladder" refers to the Scala Naturae or Great Chain of Being. The author suggests that learning should be a step-by-step ascent from the physical world to the spiritual realm.—may be raised up even to Him, from whom, through whom, and for whom all things exist This is a paraphrasing of the biblical verse Romans 11:36, indicating that the ultimate goal of all science and study is the contemplation of God..

X. But so that the same book may teach all those things TRULY, and demonstrate them solidly, let it be clearly seen that these are not the mockeries of phantasms phantasms original: "phantasmatum." In the philosophy of this period, these were deceptive mental images or mere figments of the imagination that lacked any basis in physical reality., but the unshakable foundations of things themselves: so that we may know that we know, and not merely hold an opinion. Therefore, this Book will contain nothing that might either offend our agreement (as do things which are openly false, empty, unproven, or improbable) or merely tickle the mind and invite agreement (as do things which are merely likely), but rather it shall compel the mind. This is the power inherent in the invincible and always victorious Truth, provided it is skillfully brought into the light.

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