An ornate woodcut headpiece features scrolling acanthus leaves and a central sunburst containing the Hebrew Tetragrammaton (יהוה), the sacred name of God.

SOLEMN DISSERTATION.

ON

THE PHILOSOPHY

OF SILENCE

§. I.

Modesty, which is the character of the true philosopher, often dictates silence to those about to speak. Clearly, when the occasion is lacking, which the more prudent among philosophers do not seize but await. For they know that silence is of the greatest benefit, lest they speak anything rashly that might become a deception and danger to themselves and others. Therefore, they have defined for themselves limits in this rule: Do not say everything, but only what is opportune.

§. II.

The silence, however, that comes into discussion is not understood as the casual silence of those whose speech was interrupted by some misfortune, as the Holy Scriptures record of Zechariah Luke 1:20, or of Peter Chrysologus in his sermon XXXVI, which he had instituted concerning the woman with the issue of blood, becoming mute, as he testifies of himself in the cited place. It will be evident to those comparing the histories of legal experts that Angelo Poliziano remained silent when asked by the legal expert Bartholomaeus Socinus, who was his heir? I pass over other things myself, since the silence is voluntary, which is most highly recommended to philosophers for whom modesty is a care and a concern.