First Principles

Author: Herbert SpencerPaperback:Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing PlatformISBN 10: 1548639710ISBN 13: 978-1548639716Hardcover:Publisher: Palala PressISBN 10: 1346431256ISBN 13: 978-1346431253We too often forget that not only is there “a soul of goodness in things evil,” but very generally also, a soul of truth in things erroneous. While many admit the abstract probability that a falsity has usually a nucleus of reality, few bear this abstract probability in mind, when passing judgment on the opinions of others. A belief that is finally proved to be grossly at variance with fact, is cast aside with indignation or contempt; and in the heat of antagonism scarcely any one inquires what there was in this belief which commended it to men’s minds. Yet there must have been something. And there is reason to suspect that this something was its correspondence with certain of their experiences: an extremely limited or vague correspondence perhaps; but still, a correspondence. Even the